Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Search Archive

Search Tips

You can use boolean operators in your search:

  • pugilist AND basketball - Both words must appear
  • jakarta OR surabaya - Either word can appear
  • jakarta NOT politics - Must have jakarta but not politics
  • +jakarta -politics - Must have jakarta, must not have politics
  • "exact phrase" - Search for exact phrase
  • basket* - Wildcard (matches basketball, basket, etc.)

Found 350,632 articles

Trade ministers of APEC to discuss new GATT here

Trade ministers of APEC to discuss new GATT here JAKARTA (JP): Ministers responsible for trade in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will meet here on Thursday to discuss the implementation of the new General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Director of Foreign Trade Hartanto Reksodipoetro told journalists yesterday that the ministerial meeting is especially important because it is held amid the United States' uncertainty about ratifying the new trade treaty.

NU leader wants return to politics

NU leader wants return to politics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has found life without politics irresistibly confusing, according to one of its senior leaders. Syansuri Badawi, deputy chief of NU's lawmaking body, said yesterday that returning to the jungle of politics would be high on the organization's list of priorities at next month's congress in the West Java town of Tasikmalaya.

More cement imported to curb prices

More cement imported to curb prices JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo announced yesterday that Indonesia will import some 800,000 tons of cement over the next three months to cover shortages at home and to curb the steep price rise.

`Detik' staffers still calling the tune at `Simponi'

`Detik' staffers still calling the tune at `Simponi' JAKARTA (JP): Former staffers of the banned DeTIK weekly yesterday launched the first edition of the newly revamped Simponi magazine whose publishing license they bought last month. Eros Djarot, former DeTIK editor and now chief of media and public relations of Simponi, told a press conference yesterday that the new magazine will retain its independence in the same way DeTIK was managed but with some fine tuning.

PPP chief wants probe of controversial book

PPP chief wants probe of controversial book JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) says it supports the government's plan to investigate a newly published book which argues that the late former president Sukarno was not involved in the 1965 coup attempt. The book, Kehormatan bagi yang Berhak (Honor for the One who Deserves It), can undermine the New Order government under President Soeharto, PPP chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum said yesterday.

Indosat launches public offering

Indosat launches public offering JAKARTA (JP): The much-awaited public offering of the state- owned international telecommunications company PT Indosat starts today, with around 7.75 percent of its 517.75 billion common stocks to be sold at home and another 27.25 percent in New York. Indosat's shares, with a face value of Rp 500 each, will be sold on the domestic market at Rp 7,000 (US$3.20) each during the offering period, which will close on Oct. 11.

Medals tally

Medals tally HIROSHIMA (AFP): Asian Games medals table after yesterday's events: Gold Silver Bronze Total China 8 3 1 12 Japan 6 2 4 12 Indonesia 0 3 3 6 S. Korea 0 2 2 4 C. Taipei 0 1 3 4 India 0 1 1 2 Thailand 0 1 0 1 Vietnam 0 1 0 1 Brunei 0 0 2 2 Nepal 0 0 1 1

Yorrys claims illness keeps him out of court

Yorrys claims illness keeps him out of court JAKARTA (JP): Yorrys Raweyai of Pemuda Pancasila, a powerful youth organization, once again failed to show up at the West Jakarta District Court where he is being tried on gambling charges, claiming ill health. "The court has received a letter from a Singaporean doctor saying that Yorrys is ill and needs rest," presiding judge Ismail Sebayang told reporters after the court session. The medical statement, which was signed by Dr. J.L.

Cambodia seeks tourism cooperation with RI

Cambodia seeks tourism cooperation with RI JAKARTA (JP): Cambodia is seeking to sign a cooperation agreement with Indonesia for the development of its tourism industry, Cambodian Minister of Tourism Veng Sereyvuth said here yesterday. Sereyvuth, who was here for a five-day visit until yesterday, told The Jakarta Post Sunday evening that he expects the two countries to sign such an agreement early next year.

Stamp machine now available

Stamp machine now available BANDUNG: The general post office has installed an coin- operated stamp machine in the hopes of shortening queues and stepping up efficiency. Priced at Rp 20 million (US$9,000) per unit, the machine, which will operate 24 hours a day, can dispense Rp 100 to Rp 5,000 stamps and accept coins of Rp 50, Rp 100, Rp 500 and Rp 1,000.

Testimony dents defense of ex-Bapindo bosses

Testimony dents defense of ex-Bapindo bosses JAKARTA (JP): A pilot, a stewardess and two journalists yesterday virtually shattered the main defense of former directors of Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) who are on trial for allowing the government bank to lose $620 million in its dealings with businessman Eddy Tansil. The four witnesses testified that they flew from Jakarta with then finance minister J.B. Sumarlin to Irian Jaya on June 2, 1992 and did not return until three days later.

Rolex snatched by gang of thugs

Rolex snatched by gang of thugs A group of four men on motorcycles relieved a businessman of his gold-plated Rolex wristwatch on Jl. Nelayan in Roa Malaka, West Jakarta. Lim Haryanto Widjaya, 66, reported the case to the local police, saying that the robbery took place on Sunday morning as he got out of his BMW sedan in front of his friend's house. Lim said the watch was worth Rp 19 million (US$8,695).

Thai ports authority begins rat hunt to prevent disease

Thai ports authority begins rat hunt to prevent disease BANGKOK (Reuter): Thailand's ports authority has begun a rat- hunt in case plague-carrying rodents from India have fled ashore, officials said yesterday. Teams from the public health ministry set hundreds of baited traps in port warehouses and tested rats caught in them for evidence of the plague, which is carried by rat fleas, to prevent the disease from spreading to this country.

Developer starts building transit

Developer starts building transit BANGKOK (Reuter): Thai developer Tanayong Plc yesterday started building a mass transit system designed to slice through the key residential and commercial sections of Bangkok, as part of an effort to relieve the traffic-snarled capital. Thailand's Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn presided over a Buddhist ceremony in monsoon showers to start test construction down the middle of busy Rajadamri Road in the heart of Bangkok.

Bendungan Hilir demolition turns into riot

Bendungan Hilir demolition turns into riot JAKARTA (JP): Members of civil defense corps and police officers armed with riot shields and rattan sticks scuffled with more than 1,000 throwing stones residents of the Bendungan Hilir subdistrict in Central Jakarta following a dispute over land eviction yesterday. "Allahuakbar, Allahuakbar (God is great, God is great)," yelled the residents as they were blocking the entrances of their three hectare area with cupboards and house pillars.

Indonesia labors to beat S. Korea

Indonesia labors to beat S. Korea HIROSHIMA, Japan (Agencies): Yayuk Basuki led the Indonesian women's team to overcome a spirited challenge from South Korea with a 2-1 win here yesterday and earn a semifinal berth against China in the Asian Games women's tennis tournament. It took debutant Romana Tedjakusuma two hours and 19 minutes to beat Choi Ju-yeon 7-6 (15-13), 6-2 in an exciting first match, trading a series of long, grueling moonballs and hard-hit baseline strokes on center court.

Chinese minister to ASEAN

Chinese minister to ASEAN BEIJING (AFP): Chinese Foreign Trade Minister Wu Yi, who will attend the APEC trade ministers meeting in Jakarta on Thursday, will make official visits to the Philippines and Malaysia, Xinhua said yesterday. It will be Wu's first visit to any of the three countries since she was appointed foreign trade minister a year ago.

PLN faces constraints in power distribution

PLN faces constraints in power distribution JAKARTA (JP): A shortage of funds for the development of distribution networks has hampered the state electricity company PT PLN meeting the country's power demand of 455,739 kilovolt amperes (kVa), an executive says. "At least 50,843 would-be customers throughout the country have been waiting for electricity subscription since Aug. 1," PLN's president, Zuhal, told a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday.

Govt to check passengers from India

Govt to check passengers from India JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman said yesterday that the government will check plane passengers from India with special treatments following the spread of pneumonic plague in the South Asian country. "This check is a part of our standard immigration policy to block any disease carrier," Oetojo said, adding that the government will soon announce its decision concerning the arrival of people and cargo from India.

District chief may be fired

District chief may be fired PALU, Central Sulawesi: Governor Abdul Azis says he will fire the Bunta district chief if the man is found guilty of tampering with the government fund intended for the poor people. Azis confirmed that an investigation is now underway after allegations that the district chief was helping himself to the Rp 20 million fund sent by the central government.

Bush fires raging on Flores

Bush fires raging on Flores KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Bush fires have been raging on Flores and on its surrounding islands, destroying food crops of local farmers. Thick haze has blanketed most of the eastern part of Flores and the islands of Adonara, Solor and Lembata, Antara reported yesterday. Residents said bush fires are commonplace during the dry season but that these were the most serious in years.

Elephant problem is human problem: Forestry official

Elephant problem is human problem: Forestry official By T. Simawati Gunawan PEKANBARU, Riau (JP): A senior official of the Forestry Ministry is calling for a coordinated effort by government agencies and private institutions to contain the problems of recurrent raids on villages in Sumatra by wild elephants. "The elephant problem is not the problem of the elephants," said Widodo S. Ramono of the Directorate General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation.

Agents appointed to market analog mobile telephones

Agents appointed to market analog mobile telephones JAKARTA (JP): PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) Saturday appointed eight companies to market advanced analog mobile telephones in 18 major cities in the country. The agreements on the telephone marketing was signed in a ceremony here by Telkom's president Setyanto P. Santosa and executives of the eight companies, comprising of PT Aksara Tama, PT Arya Bima Perkasa, PT Mitra Graha Adimandiri, PT Harakom Datra Nusa, PT Nasio sdn.

PPP recruits scholars as political advisers

PPP recruits scholars as political advisers JAKARTA (JP): The Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP), which last week completed the line-up of its executive board, means to embrace academics as its advisers. The conflict-ridden party dropped its plan to form a research and development section and will instead hold regular meetings with its scholars to seek advice on how to implement its programs.

Strong yen spurring Asia growth

Strong yen spurring Asia growth By Yoshitake Shimizu TOKYO: The yen's recent appreciation has contributed greatly to the booming economies of Asia. The sharply increasing direct investment by Japanese companies in Asian countries helps strengthen their production bases and boosts their workers' wages. This also helps expand exports of finished products from those nations.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Adrianus gets big welcome at home for retaining title

Adrianus gets big welcome at home for retaining title JAKARTA (JP): Adrianus Taroreh, who successfully defended his Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight title on Thursday for the second time, returned to Sam Ratulangi airport and was paraded in an open car to his hometown, the Sea village in Minahasa regency, North Sulawesi.

Traffic jam on Jl. Diponegoro

Traffic jam on Jl. Diponegoro Hundreds of vehicles heading in the direction of Jl. Salemba Raya, a major road in Central Jakarta, were trapped in a massive traffic jam on Jl. Diponegoro Saturday afternoon due to poor work of a contractor doing road repairs near the Metropole 21 cinema. Many students taking public buses grumbled because they arrived late at their schools due to the bumper-to-bumper traffic. The congestion was estimated to span more than three kilometers.

Police to probe burning of records

Police to probe burning of records MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos has ordered the Philippine National Police to form a special task force to investigate the burning of the records of a suburb of this city, a palace statement said yesterday. Ramos said the task force should determine "who is the mastermind" of the fire at the Kalookan City Hall which was set by seven armed, masked men in military fatigues on Saturday.

Vietnam's oil bonanza, the dream and reality

Vietnam's oil bonanza, the dream and reality By Philippe Agret HANOI (AFP): After getting high on the hopes of striking black gold off the shores of Vietnam, the world's oil giants have now glumly awoke to the hazards -- the immense cost of investment and, so far, the meager rewards. The mood was subdued among foreign companies exhibiting their technological wares last week at the second International Oil and Gas Fair in Hanoi.

Locals get honor of torch ceremony

Locals get honor of torch ceremony HIROSHIMA, Japan (Reuter): Two Hiroshima athletes achieved what is likely to be the high point of their sporting careers yesterday -- but it had nothing to do with their speciality events. The honor of lighting the Asian Games torch went to two local athletes, members of the Japanese squad for the Games, but hardly top stars of the team vying to come second behind China at the event.

Haze causes boat collision

Haze causes boat collision PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Thick haze from forest fires caused a ferry and two boats to collide in the Kapuas River last week, a press report said yesterday. There were no casualties in the accident although two tug boats did sink, Antara said quoting the Pontianak port officer Molder Mustafa. The 1,700 ton ferry KM Sitiung from state shipping company, PT Pelni, was only slightly dented and the eight people aboard were all rescued, Mustafa said.

Bad loans

Bad loans From Suara Karya The government has taken effective measures to deal with bad loans involving both state-owned banks and private banks. The cases have been taken to court and the debtors are blacklisted and banned from leaving the country. As a citizen of this country I would like to give some suggestions for consideration.

Traveler ambassador is going home

Traveler ambassador is going home By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat After a three-and-a-half year posting in Jakarta Ambassador Karl Walter Lewalter finally bids his friends farewell tomorrow. Calling his experience here the "most interesting period" in his life, the well-traveled envoy will become Sub-Director General at Asia and Pacific Affairs at the German Foreign Ministry.

RI provides visa-free facility for E. European countries

RI provides visa-free facility for E. European countries JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, aiming at attracting more tourist arrivals in the coming five years, is now providing visa-free entrance facilities for visitors from four countries in eastern Europe.

Actor to sue 'Citra' magazine

Actor to sue 'Citra' magazine Film star Ratno Timoer, 52, is threatening to file defamation charges against Citra, a tabloid published by Jakarta-based Gramedia Group. The 52-year-old actor late last week took the defamation claim to the City Police. Informed sources said that police promised to process the report immediately so that the dossier of the case can be handed to the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office soon.

RI art troupe cancels India tour over plague

RI art troupe cancels India tour over plague JAKARTA (JP): An Indonesian art troupe from Bali has canceled it's planned two-week tour in India due to the deadly pneumonic plague epidemic there. The cultural group consisting of 35 Balinese dancers, folk singers, painters and sculptors was slated to arrive in New Delhi yesterday after completing their mission in Germany.

Rapid development changes Tangerang

Rapid development changes Tangerang By K. Basrie TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang has rapidly changed. The changes can be noticed in all aspects of development, such as buildings, public and social facilities and population but, along with the development, Tangerang has also seen a rise in criminal acts.

Fire victims face eviction

Fire victims face eviction The Central Jakarta Mayoralty gave Saturday a final option to 80 families living on the old fire site in Bendungan Hilir subdistrict to take the compensation offered by the government or face demolition. A joint team, including police officials and military personnel, is scheduled to pull down semi-permanent buildings rebuilt on the location by the fire victims. "Those who want to accept the compensation still have time until Sunday," an official said.

Council calls for vigilance against plague

Council calls for vigilance against plague JAKARTA (JP): City councilors have insisted that the government take anticipatory measures to avoid any possible spread of pneumonic plague which has afflicted 1,500 people in India over the last two weeks.

450 midwives for rural areas

450 midwives for rural areas PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The provincial government has contracted 457 midwives to work in remote areas of the province. Secretary to the provincial administration Djulkip Siregar, who met with the midwives at his office last week, said the policy aimed at improving the quality of public health in the isolated areas. Over the last year, over 500 houses have been built in all districts in order to accommodate the midwives, Antara quoted him as saying.

Auditing state accounts

Auditing state accounts The four-day government conference on the auditing of state financial accounts which opened on Thursday has disclosed the enormous difficulties encountered by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) in properly executing its tasks and the inadequacy of the financial accountability of the various government agencies. BPK's difficulties and constraints seemed to have been caused mainly by the inadequate legislation regarding its audit authority and function.

Pressure mounts to sue senior columnist Manai

Pressure mounts to sue senior columnist Manai JAKARTA (JP): Pressure mounted during the weekend to sue senior columnist Manai Sophiaan for suggesting that student leaders in the 1960s received funding from the American Central Intelligence Agency to stage street protests against president Sukarno.

Hadson discovers gas

Hadson discovers gas JAKARTA (JP): Hadson Bentu Limited, one of Pertamina's production sharing contractors, has discovered gas and condensate reserves in Riau. Pertamina, the state-owned oil company, announced here Saturday that the gas and condensate were discovered in the Seng- I field in the Bentu bloc, around 15 kilometers southeast of Pekanbaru, the capital of the Riau province.

Indonesian film wins top prize

Indonesian film wins top prize KYOTO, Japan (AFP): The seventh annual Tokyo International Film Festival ended here yesterday, with top prizes going to features directed by Hong Kong's Yim Ho and Indonesia's Garin Nugroho. Yim's The day the sun turned cold won the Grand Prix in the International Competition, while Nugroho's Surat untuk bidadari (Letter to an angel) was given the Gold Prize in the Young Cinema section.

White book on 1965 PKI coup attempt published

White book on 1965 PKI coup attempt published JAKARTA (JP): The government has published the long-promised white book on the communist coup attempt in 1965. The 293-page book, which was published on Oct. 1, the day Indonesia lamented about the tragedy, is entitled Gerakan 30 September, Pemberontakan Partai Komunis Indonesia (The September 30 Movement, a Rebellion by the Indonesian Communist Party). The book also contains 120 pages of appendix and bibliography.

KL strengthens ties with CPC

KL strengthens ties with CPC KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's ruling National Front coalition said yesterday its strengthening of ties with the Communist Party of China (CPC) would not lead to a revival of socialism at home. "Malaysia's stance on communism has not changed," Mohamed Rahmat, secretary-general of the National Front, said as he stressed the relationship with the CPC would not open new doors for the outlawed Communist Party of Malaya (CPM).

Malaysia stops issuing visas to Indian citizens

Malaysia stops issuing visas to Indian citizens KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): The Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi has stopped issuing visas to Indian citizens in a move to prevent the plague outbreak there spreading to Malaysia, local newspapers reported yesterday. The High Commission's information officer Dunstan Melling was quoted as saying the High Commission had rejected all 40 visa applications it received on Friday, the day the government's directive was issued.

Kalimantan, Sumatra forest fires turn into blaming game

Kalimantan, Sumatra forest fires turn into blaming game JAKARTA (JP): The government blames the nomadic tribes. The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) blames the forestry concessionaires. Now the concessionaires are blaming the weather. While neighboring Malaysia and Singapore are complaining loudly about the haze that comes from the bush fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, in Jakarta various parties are still trying to work out what or who started the fires.

IBM goes OEM with its Cobalt AT 486BL motherboard

IBM goes OEM with its Cobalt AT 486BL motherboard By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): All right! Finally, I've happily gotten rid of my old albeit faithful 386 PC. Well, partly. I still have most of its components, including the case, the two floppy disk drives, the Orchid Fahrenheit 1280 graphics accelerator card, the Northgate Omnikey keyboard and one of the two 240 MB Quantum ProDrive hard disks.

East Pademangan residents sue city in land dispute

East Pademangan residents sue city in land dispute JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-seven families living in East Pademangan subdistrict, North Jakarta, have filed a lawsuit with the State Administrative Court over a land dispute. They have sworn not to move until a court verdict is achieved. "We also filed a lawsuit with the North Jakarta District Court on Sept. 17.

Taxi company to sell 37% of its shares to public

Taxi company to sell 37% of its shares to public JAKARTA (JP): PT Centris Multipersada Pratama, a taxi operator, will sell 37 percent of its expanded shares through the Jakarta and Surabaya Stock Exchanges at the end of this month. The company, which currently operates over 2,000 taxis in four major cities, will offer 20 million shares, each with a par value of Rp 1,000.

East Timor leaders agree to expand forum

East Timor leaders agree to expand forum JAKARTA (JP): Leaders from East Timor still residing in Indonesia, along with others living in exile, agreed to expand their forum to include other overseas Timorese factions in hopes of bringing about total reconciliation. F.X. Lopez Da Cruz leads the pro-integration delegation that plans to meet with leaders of those who oppose integration into Indonesia.

PGI seeks new rule on church building

PGI seeks new rule on church building By Imanuddin JAKARTA (JP): The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) is seeking to change the regulation on where it can establish its houses of worship in the future, taking the power away from local community leaders and putting it into the government's hands. PGI's Secretary-General J.M. Pattiasina said the communion's leaders will review the issue during its grand assembly in Jayapura, Irian Jaya, next month.

Good old colonial days?

Good old colonial days? This is my instantaneous reaction to Mr. de Jong's suggestions, asking The Jakarta Post to teach the readers about the good old colonial days and his pretension of knowing better about what's going on in this country than 99 percent of the pure Indonesians (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 27, 1994: Omissions in the Post.) Sir, did you have a great-grandfather who was hanged for planting the wrong crops, that could feed his family during the Forced Crop regime?

12 investigated for smuggling

12 investigated for smuggling PROBOLINGGO, East Java: The municipal police are investigating twelve people suspected of smuggling electronic goods into Probolinggo. "The smuggling case will be processed in accordance with the law," Antara quoted municipal police chief Lt. Col. Suyatno as saying here Saturday. He said the smugglers were foiled when the local police captured a Japanese flag vessel carrying electronic goods, radios, video tapes and sewing machines.

Conversion rates

Conversion rates Announcement: Bank Indonesia, which started to implement a five- day working system last month, no longer provides the list of conversion rates for foreign exchange on Saturdays. This newspaper, therefore, no longer publishes foreign exchange conversion rates in its Monday editions. -- Editor

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Peter Pan & the Pirates 3:00 Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: Unsolved Mysteries 4:30 Students' Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science and Technology 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religion Teaching: Hindu 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Van Der Valk 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Pesona Nada 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Battling forest fires

Battling forest fires As a neighbor to Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam we must listen to and heed their grievances over the haze caused by the forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra. None of their complaints should be construed as interference in our domestic affairs. We now face the task of convincing these neighbors that forest fires in areas where peat and coal deposits exist are very difficult to subdue.

`Underway' is underway in Tanah Abang

`Underway' is underway in Tanah Abang JAKARTA (JP): The nagging traffic problems in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, might be partly solved with the construction of an "underway" which will connect Jl. KH Mansyur and Jl. Fachrudin. Engineers working on the project calls it an "underway" which differs from an underpass in that it is not a tunnel because the top part of it is open.

RP wared over economy

RP wared over economy MANILA (AFP): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned the Philippines of emerging imbalances that threaten to derail its fledgling economic recovery, a confidential document published here Saturday showed. The document obtained by the Manila Chronicle newspaper hailed the 5.07 percent growth in the first semester, but urged that the ballooning trade gap, nearly double-digit inflation and negative real interest rate be addressed.

ABRI officers linked to extortion

ABRI officers linked to extortion SEMARANG, Central Java: Ten officers of the Armed Forces (ABRI) suspected of extorting money from potential recruits will be questioned soon, the local military chief said Saturday. The action will be taken to support ABRI's claim that there is no enrollment fee required from new cadets, said Maj. Gen. Soeyono, chief of the Diponegoro regional military command overseeing security in the province.

Blood transfusion center inaugurated

Blood transfusion center inaugurated JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Red Cross chief, Ibnu Sutowo, inaugurated the new Rp 12 billion (US$5.5 million) blood transfusion center located at Jl. Joe No. 7 in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, late last week. According to Susanto Mangunsagito, a Red Cross executive, the new building replaces the old one on Jl. Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta, which had been occupied by the Red Cross for more than 60 years.

Hong Kong is biggest investor in Vietnam

Hong Kong is biggest investor in Vietnam HANOI (Reuter): Asian companies continued to dominate foreign investment in communist Vietnam in the first nine months of this year, with Hong Kong firms in the lead, the government said on Saturday. The State Committee for Cooperation and Investment (SCCI), which judges investment applications, said Hong Kong companies had 39 projects approved with total investment capital of US$441 million.

Share prices weaken across the board on JSX

Share prices weaken across the board on JSX JAKARTA (JP): Sporadic selling throughout last week continued to weaken share prices across the board. As predicted, the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index broke the 500 points psychological support level, closing lower for a third week at 497.97, down 14.6 points from the previous week's close.

Foreign exchange rates omission

Foreign exchange rates omission To be frank, it was very disturbing to read Capt. R.W. de Jong's letter in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 27. I cannot refrain from expressing my opinion. He criticized The Jakarta Post for not publishing the Foreign Exchange Rates and complained about the paper's apology that the omission was caused by human error. He could not understand that The Jakarta Post, being the biggest and most prestigious English newspaper in Indonesia, can make that kind of mistake.

Malaysia, S'pore to discuss pollution

Malaysia, S'pore to discuss pollution SINGAPORE (AFP): Malaysia and Singapore will hold a two-day meeting to discuss the forest fire pollution currently affecting both countries, the Ministry of Environment said. A statement from the ministry said over the weekend the two- day meeting of the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE), would be held in Penang in north Malaysia.

More import players in 1995 Kobatama

More import players in 1995 Kobatama JAKARTA (JP): The semi-professional national basketball league Kobatama plans to draft 22 more foreign players into the league next season to shape up the balance of power among participating clubs. Chief of the league commission of the national basketball association (Perbasi) Meliono Suwondo said on Saturday that each of the 11 teams will have two imported players.

Thai-Saudi ties may be severed: Saudi envoy

Thai-Saudi ties may be severed: Saudi envoy BANGKOK (AFP): Saudi Arabia may sever relations with Thailand if Thai authorities are unable to solve the Saudi jewelry case and the murders here of four Saudi diplomats and a businessman, Riyadh's envoy said last Saturday. Saudi Charge d'Affaires Mohammad Said Khoja told local reporters that Thai-Saudi relations would return to normal only when the murders of the diplomats and the businessman and the gems case are resolved.

KL builds metro system

KL builds metro system MONTREAL (AFP): Canadian engineering firms Bombardier and SNC- Lavalin have won a contract to build a metro system in Kuala Lumpur with the first stations scheduled to open in 1998. Montreal-based Bombardier was to build 70 wagons that were to have automatic pilot systems, company officials said in a statement. The contract was reported worth $961 million (US$711 million).

Experts, traders not upbeat about `Zebra'

Experts, traders not upbeat about `Zebra' JAKARTA (JP): Experts and vendors question a plan of the police to ticket jaywalkers, undisciplined commuters and street vendors, saying that poor traffic infrastructure have forced people to commit the offenses.

Nine inmates escape

Nine inmates escape MEDAN, North Sumatra: Police are tracking down nine inmates who escaped from the their detention house in Pangkalan Brandan last week. They broke out by sawing the iron bars of a ventilation window, scaling a four meter high wall and climbing down a rope made from blankets, police said. The detainees, between 18 and 52 years of age, were being held for various offenses and are now believed to be hiding in Medan, Antara reported. (pan)

Poet Emha and ABRI

Poet Emha and ABRI From Bisnis Indonesia I was surprised when reading a news item in the paper that poet Emha Ainun Nadjib was invited by Regional Military Commander/Diponegoro Major Gen. Soeyono to read a poem in Semarang, Central Java, in observance of the anniversary of the Armed Forces (ABRI). This is really an interesting event. Emha Ainun Nadjib is often banned from doing his professional, cultural activities, such as poetry reading, drama presentations and lectures on art.

Nation renews vow to defend Pancasila ideology

Nation renews vow to defend Pancasila ideology JAKARTA (JP): It was a brief but solemn ceremony at the Lubang Buaya Museum in East Jakarta yesterday, but it had deep meaning for those present. "We are committed and resolved to defend and implement Pancasila," read Ismail Hasan Metareum, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, during the ceremony led by President Soeharto.

1. Clinic --- 48 pts Metro Medium l/c 9 cols 1 line

1. Clinic --- 48 pts Metro Medium l/c 9 cols 1 line Jakarta's clinics cater to abortion demand 2. Conflict -- 36 pts Helv Bold Cond l/c 5 cols 1 line Complexities abound around abortion 3. Hotline --- 24 pts Century Bold Italic l/c 1 col 3 lines Hot lines for teens in a bind 4. Sex ------ 36 pts Metro Medium l/c 5 cols 1 line How to discuss sex with children

Conflicts inside and out on the legality of abortion

Conflicts inside and out on the legality of abortion JAKARTA (JP): The recent international conference on population judged that the most feasible way to escape prolonged conflict over the abortion issue is by surrendering the necessary implementation directives to individual countries. That way, relieved delegates could go home and deal with the problem of abortion in their own way. In reality, however, things may not be as simple as that, as Indonesia has found out for itself.

Good day Mom, Dad, ...

Good day Mom, Dad, ... JAKARTA (JP): Or uncle or auntie... even little brother (or sister). Not, however, gramps or granny. Now what is this all about? Forms of address, that's what. When you took your first hesitant steps on the rocky road towards mastering Indonesian, your teacher probably told you that when addressing a male in Indonesia you use the word bapak. And if talking to a woman, you use ibu. They mean, as your teacher told you, Mr. and Mrs. No sweat. You swallow that.

Teens remain sexually active, while parents remain negative

Teens remain sexually active, while parents remain negative _______________________________________________________________ The prolonged, heated and often painful debate on abortion at the international conference on population in Cairo last month is still fresh in our minds. There was no common agreement on the issue, leaving individual countries to follow what they feel is suitable in their own situation.

Diarrhea kills 50 in W. Kalimantan

Diarrhea kills 50 in W. Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): Up to 50 people have died from diarrhea in West Kalimantan with limited access to clean water cited as the major cause, the Antara news agency reported yesterday. The West Kalimantan Health Office said that nearly 43,000 people affected by the virus are now hospitalized in various cities in the province.

JAKARTA (JP): You think your 14-year-old child is studying,

JAKARTA (JP): You think your 14-year-old child is studying, but you find him reading a pornographic magazine instead. What do you do? Grab the book, throw it away, and preach? Or lock him in his room for the rest of the day? Right? Wrong! The best thing to do, according to psychiatrists, is to join your child. Read the book together and then discuss it. "You shouldn't reprimand them. You have to read it and explain that not everything the book says is true," said psychiatrist Ratna Sugeng.

Siliwangi upsets

Siliwangi upsets Hadtex 64-59 JAKARTA (JP): American Dan Gray romped with 24 points and Ronald Median added 23 to end Siliwangi's losing streak with a come-from-behind 64-59 victory over fellow West Javanese Hadtex in the final day of the first leg of semi-professional basketball league yesterday. Hadtex cagers should have avoided walking away from the league's opening leg with four straight losses as they took a narrow 34-33 lead in the first half.

Indonesia sets badminton standard.

Indonesia sets badminton standard. By Dwiatmanta JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia may remain a small dot on the world's sports map, but badminton has at least given it distinction. All the major titles, including a treble of Olympic gold medals, world championship laurels, and the Thomas and Uber Cups, have adorned the cabinet of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) in the past three years.

Diarrhea kills 50 in W. Kalimantan

Diarrhea kills 50 in W. Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): Up to 50 people have died from diarrhea in West Kalimantan with limited access to clean water cited as the major cause, the Antara news agency reported yesterday. The West Kalimantan Health Office said that nearly 43,000 people affected by the virus are now hospitalized in various cities in the province.

Susi looks for missing piece in golden jigsaw

Susi looks for missing piece in golden jigsaw JAKARTA (AFP): Indonesia's ace shuttler Susi Susanti will be fishing for the title that got away at the Asian Games badminton contest. Susi, and world number one ranked male Joko Suprianto, will lead a likely Indonesian clean sweep of badminton medals in Hiroshima, is determined the Asiad gold will not escape her this time. The tournament is an unofficial world championship as nearly all the top players are from Asia.

JAKARTA (JP): Unwanted pregnancies frequently lead to

JAKARTA (JP): Unwanted pregnancies frequently lead to abortions in Indonesia, despite the controversy over the legal and moral implications. To have an abortion in a slum area by an old dukun (traditional midwife), or in a modern gynecological clinic or hospital outfitted with sophisticated medical instruments, is now merely a matter of choice and only depends on one's financial situation. Jakarta has the largest number of clinics and hospitals that cater to those who want to have an abortion.

ADB loans for three nations

ADB loans for three nations MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday announced loans for the Philippines, China and Pakistan. It said here that it has approved a US$23.5-million loan to cover additional costs for a road-building project in the Philippines. The project was intended to improve 750 kilometers (465 miles) of national roads and cover the design of 700 kilometers (434 miles) of rural roads, throughout the country.

Timor Timur map misleading

Timor Timur map misleading From Kompas On Aug. 23, 1994 we had a female visitor who works for a foundation. She tried to sell some office articles such as an emblem of the Civil Servants Organization (Korpri), Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity), maps, books, etc. The woman had made a long journey with her heavy load to come to our office. Taking pity on her I bought one Timor Timur map and one map of the Indonesian archipelago.

40 students off to Japan

40 students off to Japan JAKARTA: Forty Indonesian students and teachers will leave for Japan next week to conduct research and studies in various fields, the Japanese embassy here announced. They are the second batch of students to obtain Japanese government scholarships this year. The first group of 58 students left in April. The second group will study in Japan for between one year and three and a half years.

NAM talks on food security in Bali

NAM talks on food security in Bali JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, in its capacity as chairman of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM), will host a five-day ministerial meeting on food security in Bali beginning on Oct. 7, says Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah. "President Soeharto will open the meeting," he told reporters in his office here yesterday. He said that out of NAM's 111 countries, 30 have already confirmed their attendance.

China signals support for APEC free-trade

China signals support for APEC free-trade MADRID (AFP): Chinese Finance Minister Liu Zhongli has signaled his country's support for a plan by members of the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to establish a free- trade area by 2020. APEC, a fledgling group comprising 17 economies on both sides of the Pacific, is to consider the ambitious free-trade proposal at a summit meeting of leaders near the Indonesian capital Jakarta in November.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 p.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ; at G.K.I. Pondok Indah at 6 p.m.

Misappropriated pavement

Misappropriated pavement From Neraca If we stroll along Jl. Dr. Saharjo, South Jakarta, we will see that the pavement has been misappropriated. The pavement that is to be used for pedestrians is used for parking instead. It is really saddening to find such a situation which indicates that the owners of the vehicles apparently do not understand the traffic rules. Imagine how pedestrians have to make great efforts to find enough space to walk on.

Indonesia most potential in tourist industry: PATA

Indonesia most potential in tourist industry: PATA JAKARTA (JP): The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) sees Indonesia, with its diversified destinations, authentic cultures and hospitality, as the country with the most potential in the tourist industry in the region.

Hospital fee

Hospital fee From Surya I would like to relate my unforgettable experience at a private hospital in Surabaya ten years ago. I took my seriously ill child to the nearest, well known hospital in south Surabaya. To get my child hospitalized I had to pay Rp 60,000 (a lot of money ten years ago). Despite my great shock at the high fee, and desiring a speedy recovery for my child, I paid what the hospital demanded.

Hospital regulation

Hospital regulation I recently came back from the Philippines and upon my regular review of back issues of The Jakarta Post, found a Sept. 5, 1994 letter to the editor by Ms. Saifuddin targeting the Pondok Indah Hospital. This was about their regulation that only one person can attend a patient's birthing, apart from the regular hospital staff. I would like to share my harrowing birth experience that resulted due to this regulation.

Semarang's Glory earns first win at Kobatama

Semarang's Glory earns first win at Kobatama JAKARTA (JP): Glory of Semarang, Central Java, capitalized on Siliwangi's fouls in the last minutes and turned a 57-57 draw into a 70-64 victory. Glory beat the West Javanese team in a rough-and-tumble battle on the third day of the national semi- professional basketball league (Kobatama) yesterday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange showed signs of recovery yesterday after suffering persistent drops on the previous four days. The official Composite Index recorded a slight increase to end the week 0.7 point higher at 497.97 against 497.23 on the previous day. The index recorded a total loss of 14.6 points during the week. The GTDBS-50 Index also recovered slightly to close at 120.81, as compared to 120.75 on Thursday.

Bouraq to link Bali, Manado, Manila

Bouraq to link Bali, Manado, Manila JAKARTA (JP): Bouraq Airlines, one of Indonesia's six scheduled air carriers, will start service linking Manila and Manado in North Sulawesi and Bali early next year, an executive says. The airline's vice president, Eddyono Salatun, told The Jakarta Post here yesterday that Bouraq will operate Boeing 737- 200s two times weekly in serving Manila. He said that the service will likely be increased in the future when the market becomes more prospective.

RI will revise laws on TRIPs next year

RI will revise laws on TRIPs next year JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's ratification of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) calls for it to revise its laws on property rights, copyrights and trademarks, Minister of Trade Satrio Budiardjo Joedono said here yesterday. "The government will submit three bills on property rights, copyrights and trademarks to the House of Representatives (DPR) next year," Joedono said in a hearing with House Commission I yesterday.

Water service to some areas stopped

Water service to some areas stopped The City Water Company, PAM Jaya, announced yesterday that its service to some areas in West Jakarta will be disrupted on Saturday and Sunday due to a water main repair on Jl. S. Latumeten. The company business director, Poedijono, said areas which will be affected by the temporary stoppage include Tambora, Angke, Teluk Gong, Pluit, Muara Karang and Muara Angke. Poediono said the service will resume at 12 noon on Sunday. (yns)

Boars attack crops

Boars attack crops LIWA, West Lampung: People in several villages located on the Lampung and South Sumatra border are complaining of repeated attacks on their crops by boars. The villagers said they failed to earn anything this month because their crops have been devoured by the boars, Antara reported. Boar attacks are usually more frequent during the dry season.

Walhi blames concessionaires for forest fires

Walhi blames concessionaires for forest fires JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) said yesterday that the widespread brushfires in Kalimantan were started by forest concessionaires and not by the local practice of slash and burn cultivation.

Chef ready to win boxing title again

Chef ready to win boxing title again HIROSHIMA, Japan (AFP): Indonesian middleweight Pino Bahari has packed away his chef's cap and apron here to defend his Asian Games boxing title. His younger brother Nemo, an architect student of Denpasar, Bali-based state university, is also here with designs on the featherweight medal.

Jakartans warned against communism

Jakartans warned against communism Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has warned municipal employees to remain vigilant against the threat posed by communism which could impair the unity of the nation. "We should remain alert against the threat of communism," Surjadi said during his weekly visit to Warakas and Sunter Jaya subdistricts in North Jakarta yesterday.

Obituary

Obituary Abdul Hamid S. Attamimi, an expert on constitutional law and a member of the National Commission on Human Rights, died yesterday at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital after a heart attack. Attamimi was playing tennis at Lapangan Banteng in Central Jakarta when he suddenly collapsed. He was taken to the Army hospital immediately but was pronounced dead on arrival. He was 66. He is survived by his wife Setiani and one son, Arif Wicaksana, a lecturer at Trisakti University in Jakarta.

For greater affinity

For greater affinity It may not have been one of the more spectacular events that occurred during the past week, but a number of parties certainly deserve credit for sponsoring the workshop on Indonesian customs and traditions that was oeganized on Thursday by the Directorate General for Industrial Relations in Jakarta. After all, little things do mean a lot in Indonesia, where feelings and non- rational considerations still often determine how people behave in certain situations.

Don't miss Sunday issue

Don't miss Sunday issue The problems of unwanted pregnancy and how people deal with them will be the focus of the cover story of this Sunday's edition of The Jakarta Post. Coverage of the preparations for the Asian Games and other in-depth stories, as well as light and entertaining articles, plus the latest national and world news, including sports, will be brought to you in the Sunday Post. Be sure to have your newsagent deliver your copy to your doorstep.

More journalists of `Tempo' join Bob Hasan

More journalists of `Tempo' join Bob Hasan JAKARTA (JP): More and more former journalists of the defunct Tempo news weekly are joining timber baron Mohammad (Bob) Hasan to establish a new magazine as it now looks certain that he will be given a publishing license.

Surjadi offers help to other cities

Surjadi offers help to other cities The city administration is offering help to other Indonesian cities wanting to forge sister-city relations with other cities abroad. Governor Surjadi Soedirdja made the remarks at City Hall on Thursday when he received President Clinton's senior advisor Webb Hubbell who is here to further improve relations between Arkansas, the hometown of the United States President, and Jakarta.

PBSI gets extended aid

PBSI gets extended aid JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) on Thursday received an extended sponsorship commitment for its national championships for the next three years. The deal, signed by PBSI chairman Surjadi and President Director of PT BAT Indonesia JG Priem, renewed the previous three-year-term contract signed in 1991, the first time the tobacco company sponsored the annual championships.

Forest rangers deployed

Forest rangers deployed UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: To protect South Sulawesi forestry resources, the local government has deployed 260 new rangers in 21 regencies throughout the province. They were assigned to secure the forests from fires, which often happen during a prolonged dry season, and to provide information to local residents on how to preserve forests.

Lippo introduces new card

Lippo introduces new card JAKARTA (JP): LippoBank yesterday introduced a new multi- function debit card called Lippo Star Card, which can be used to pay transactions and to withdraw savings. "The card is designed to be within the reach of small-income customers since it only requires a minimum savings of Rp 100,000 (US$45.87)," LippoBank's president, Markus Permadi, said here yesterday.

Nasution says he never intended to unseat Sukarno

Nasution says he never intended to unseat Sukarno JAKARTA (JP): General Abdul Haris Nasution, Indonesia's most senior surviving military figure, says he never had the slightest intention of wresting power from president Sukarno during the political turmoil of the mid-1960s.

Last victims of Pelita plane crash come home

Last victims of Pelita plane crash come home JAKARTA (JP): The last two bodies of the victims of the Pelita Air Service plane crash in Hong Kong were flown to Indonesia yesterday, one week after the accident. The two caskets came on a Garuda Indonesia plane, which landed at the Soekarno-Hatta airport. From there, they were flown to Halim Perdanakusumah Airport, the home base of Pelita, where their grieving relatives awaited. After a brief ceremony at the tarmac, Capt.

Govt to award power projects to 7 private firms this year

Govt to award power projects to 7 private firms this year JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to award contracts for the establishment of seven power projects with a total capacity of 2,615 megawatts (MW) to private companies by the end of this year.

Expats need to learn Indonesian customs

Expats need to learn Indonesian customs JAKARTA (JP): Never give or take with your left hand. Never pat someone on the head even if it is well intended. And never point with your foot. These are some of the don'ts which foreign managers should know when working in an Indonesian environment. They may sound simple and some Indonesians may take it for granted that expatriates already know about these things. They couldn't be more wrong.

Ulemas on the censors' board

Ulemas on the censors' board The controversy that has been raging during the past fortnight over the film True Lies touches another, more essential, dimension: that of the role of the ulemas (Moslem religious leaders) as an institution, particularly in minimizing the negative impacts of entertainment events. Two weeks ago, the Majelis Ulama Indonesia (Indonesian Council of Ulemas) threatened to withdraw its representatives from the Film Censorship Board (BSF).

Notorious pimp Hartono to be tried soon

Notorious pimp Hartono to be tried soon JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta district court has said that Hartono Setyiawan, one of the most notorious pimps of high-class callgirls in Indonesia, will be tried soon. Pelita, quoting a source at the court, reported yesterday that judges are still discussing the date of the first trial of this man who has managed to evade the law for over two decades. "The opening of the trial is expected to be held as soon as next week," the source said.

Three-in-one in Denpasar

Three-in-one in Denpasar DENPASAR, Bali: In a bid to ease the notorious traffic congestion, the city government plans to close several thoroughfares to cars carrying less than three passengers. The city authorities are now finalizing the "three-in-one" scheme, first applied on Jakarta's main roads, Denpasar mayor I Made Suwendha told Antara. The new scheme will be introduced for Jl. Diponegoro, Imam Bonjol and Gajah Mada, well-known for traffic gridlock during rush hours.

RI to celebrate Food Day

RI to celebrate Food Day JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will inaugurate a dam in West Nusa Tenggara as a celebration of the fourteenth World Food Day on Oct. 16, says Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah. Sjarifudin told reporters here yesterday that the new dam, called the Pengga Dam, is capable of holding about 27 million cubic meters of water for the irrigation of 3,585 hectares of rice fields.

TV today

TV today TVRI 8:00 a.m "Hari Kesaktian Pancasila" (live) 2:30 p.m. Sports 3:30 Gatra Cerita Anak 4:05 Gatra Pariwisata 4:30 Youth Drama 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Jazz 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dianrana 8:05 Actress Profile 9:00 World News 9:30 Rona Nusantara 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Topeng Sang Kekasih Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Jaywalkers, street vendors targeted in Operation Zebra

Jaywalkers, street vendors targeted in Operation Zebra JAKARTA (JP): Jaywalkers, undisciplined commuters and street vendors will be ticketed by a joint team of the ongoing Operation Zebra beginning on Monday. The Chief of the Traffic Investigation Unit of the City Traffic Police Directorate, Lt. Col. Herman S., said yesterday that offenders will be ticketed under the new fine scale which means they will have to pay between Rp 10,000 (US$4.60) and Rp 15,000 per violation.

Agency denies firing employee arbitrarily

Agency denies firing employee arbitrarily JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Pluit Coordinating Agency has denied accusations he transferred an employee for reporting irregularities in land reclamation projects. "That is not true. He was transferred because he failed to do his job. I gave him repeated verbal warnings, but he did not change his attitude," Darrundono, chairman of the Pluit Coordinating Agency, told reporters at a press conference here yesterday.

Eltingh and Woodbridge through to semifinals

Eltingh and Woodbridge through to semifinals KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Second seed Jacco Eltingh took only 59 minutes to beat Malaysian Adam Malik 6-3, 6-2 and reach the semifinals of the US$400,000 Malaysian Open men's tournament yesterday. The Dutchman served and volleyed with confidence against the Malaysian champion to set up a semifinal clash with Australia's Todd Woodbridge, who won his quarter-final against India's Leander Paes 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Purchase of `Kiblat' building is `lawful'

Purchase of `Kiblat' building is `lawful' JAKARTA (JP): The former owner of the building housing the offices of Kiblat magazine said that PT Technodev Inti Utama legally purchased the building following the failure of the magazine to execute their working agreement. "Technodev is the real owner of that building," Bakrie Soedja, an executive of the Haj Pilgrimage Foundation (PHI), announced at a press conference here on Thursday. He was referring to the 514-square-meter property on Jl. H.

Jakartans prefer industrial transmigration

Jakartans prefer industrial transmigration JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said that Jakartans should be trained and sent to other provinces in Indonesia as industrial transmigrants rather than asking them to join the traditional transmigration programs. "The fact is that most Jakartans are not familiar with agriculture because they have never worked in that field before.

Watanabe's album often inspired by local music

Watanabe's album often inspired by local music JAKARTA (JP): "I was staring out my window and I saw a butterfly fluttering by. It was so moving that I started to hear a new tune in my head. The tune finished and I looked at the butterfly again. Suddenly I realized it was so small, then I decided to name the tune not butterfly, but Burung-burung (Birds)," saxophonist Sadao Watanabe, one of Japan's most well- known jazz musicians, as he recalls a number he composed in Bali sometime ago.

Luxury mall turned into ash

Luxury mall turned into ash PEKALONGAN, Central Java: Police are investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a Rp 3 billion (US$1.4 million) three- story shopping mall on Tuesday. Chief of the Pekalongan police precinct, Lt. Col. Dhama Sofyan said the preliminary findings suggest that the fire was sparked by an electrical short circuit. The conflagration has thrown 380 people out of a job from the Sri Ratu shopping mall.

Former student leaders deny fresh allegations of CIA link

Former student leaders deny fresh allegations of CIA link JAKARTA (JP): A group of former student leaders who played a pivotal role in toppling president Sukarno in 1966 denied yesterday fresh allegations that they were paid by the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to take to the streets.

State publishing firm told to get its act together

State publishing firm told to get its act together JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro ordered state-owned Balai Pustaka to strive to regain its past glitter as the nation's leading publishing and printing company. Wardiman revamped the management of Balai Pustaka yesterday, appointing five new directors, including its president, and immediately called on them to improve efficiency.

Actor to sue Citra magazine

Actor to sue Citra magazine Film star Ratno Timoer, 52, is threatening to file defamation charges against Citra, a tabloid published by Jakarta-based Gramedia Group. The 52-year-old actor yesterday took the defamation claim to the City Police. Informed sources said that police promised to process the report immediately so that the dossier of the case can be handed to the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office soon.

S'pore making its radio, television more competitive

S'pore making its radio, television more competitive SINGAPORE (AFP): The government-owned Singapore Broadcasting Corp. (SBC) yesterday said it was reorganizing under a new holding company in a planned privatization to better compete against Malaysian and Indonesian broadcasters and cable television.

Investigation of Kim Johannes progresses

Investigation of Kim Johannes progresses JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office yesterday said it is making major progress in its investigation of fraud allegations involving businessman Kim Johannes. Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes A. Soetomo told reporters that government investigators have established that Kim illegally obtained an export loan from a government owned bank.

Sujudi says no bans on Indians

Sujudi says no bans on Indians JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Sujudi said that Indonesia will not bar visitors arriving from India as the death toll rose to 58 yesterday due to the spread of the pneumonic plague which has afflicted 1,500 people in India in the last two weeks. The minister said that visitors from India will be required to fill in forms concerning the state of their health and their itinerary in Indonesia upon their arrival.

Only Rp 50,000 for hitting pedestrian

Only Rp 50,000 for hitting pedestrian JAKARTA (JP): A panel of judges from the North Jakarta District Court, apparently unaware of the existing high traffic fines, has sentenced a water tank truck driver who hit a pedestrian to pay a fine of Rp 50,000 (US$23). The court on Thursday found driver Sukarno bin Darmo Slamet, 36, guilty of hitting a woman who was crossing the street on Jl. Cakung in Cilincing area, North Jakarta, on May 19.

Forced marriages prevail

Forced marriages prevail JEMBER, East Java: Arranged marriages are common in this city in spite of the statistics showing that many of them ended up in divorce, a court official says. Syamsul Hadi of the local religious court, said many parents still insist on deciding the spouse of their offspring, and very often they simply do not match, the Antara news agency reported. (par)

Currency restrictions due to take effect in Vietnam

Currency restrictions due to take effect in Vietnam HANOI (AFP): The Vietnamese government will introduce strict currency regulations this weekend to back up its decision to restrict the use of foreign currency in the country, reports said yesterday. Under regulations ordered by Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet, from October 1 all foreign currency earned by companies must be deposited in authorized bank accounts and most of the money will have to be converted into Vietnamese dong.

Anti-insider trading planned

Anti-insider trading planned MANILA (Reuter): Southeast Asian stock exchanges are finalizing plans to exchange information as part of their battle to stamp out insider trading, Philippine Stock Exchange president Eduardo delos Angeles said yesterday. "The working arrangement is important especially when we were talking about insider trading where some of the parties may be foreigners," he said at a breakfast forum in Manila.

143 netted in IDs operation

143 netted in IDs operation At least 143 persons who were traveling without carrying identification cards, including six foreigners, were netted in the citizenship operation in North Jakarta. H.M. Napis, a spokesman for the mayoralty administration, said that most of those netted on Wednesday's operation could not produce their identification cards when asked by the officials. "Some of them carry only photocopies of their IDs," Napis said.

Intense quake in Java Sea

Intense quake in Java Sea JAKARTA: An earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter Scale in the Java Sea was recorded on Wednesday night by the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency in Jakarta. The quake's epicenter was located about 90 kilometers northwest of Semarang, the capital of Central Java, at a depth of about 745 kilometers, the Antara news agency reported. There were no reports of casualties or damage from Semarang by yesterday afternoon. (emb)

BPK is formulating new audit patterns for state institutions

BPK is formulating new audit patterns for state institutions JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) is formulating a new auditing system to standardize budgetary reports of government institutions and state firms, the agency's chairman J.B. Sumarlin says.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Stage - Legong Buffet Dinner, Friday; Ramayana Buffet Dinner, Monday. Coffee Shop - Indonesian Night with Joged Dance, Saturday. Village Night with Frog Dance, Tuesday. Notte Italiana with Capo Dastro Quartet, Thursday. Poolside - BBQ Night with Hawaiian Band, Wednesday. * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Janger Cultural Performance, Friday. Pasar Ikan Seafood Market, Saturday.

Border ... what border?

Border ... what border? JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The frequent traded accusations of border intrusions between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are caused largely because the people who live along the border simply do now know where the borderline is, a provincial official says. The chief of the local Transportation Office Martono said these border intrusions were largely unintended. The people are simple not aware of the existence of the border.

RI wins another diplomatic battle over East Timor

RI wins another diplomatic battle over East Timor JAKARTA (JP): The ongoing United Nations General Assembly has decided once again to defer a debate on East Timor to give a chance to Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali to find a solution to the conflict between Indonesia and Portugal. This is the 12th consecutive year that the debate on East Timor has been deferred, marking a diplomatic victory for Indonesia, which has been lobbying to strike the issue out of the UN agenda.

Asiad dispute over Taiwan intensifies

Asiad dispute over Taiwan intensifies HIROSHIMA, Japan (Reuter): Top Chinese and Japanese sports officials struggled yesterday to avert a political showdown over Taiwan as athletes from 42 countries poured into Hiroshima for the Asian Games.

Share prices mixed on Asian, European markets

Share prices mixed on Asian, European markets HONG KONG (Reuter): Asian stock markets closed mixed yesterday, with the Taipei bourse surging to a four-year high and share prices in Bombay hit hard by concerns over the spread of pneumonic plague in India. The Tokyo market firmed, though closing off the day's highs, as pension and insurance funds and investment trusts continued to buy. The 225-share Nikkei average ended 107.52 points, or 0.55 percent, higher at 19,615.12.

Hoteliers pledge to improve service

Hoteliers pledge to improve service JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) will consolidate its members in cooperation with local administrations to improve services to tourists. The association's chairman, Ponco Sutowo, told reporters after the closing of its two-day annual conference here yesterday that both hoteliers and restaurant owners should cooperate in creating better services in hospitality arrangements.

Cannot pay my telephone bills

Cannot pay my telephone bills From Surabaya Post It is public knowledge that paying telephone bills is a duty. I always have a bad feeling when I haven't paid my bill and have to postpone the payment for fear of the amounts I will have to pay. My phone, 8282-566, was installed in July and I was grateful to the Telkom telephone company for this. But when we wanted to pay the bill, the Telkom office in Gayungan said that it was still being processed. And this has happened twice.

Perumka need more electric cars

Perumka need more electric cars An executive of the state-owned railway company, Perumka, has said that the company lacks the number of electric cars to best serve commuters in the greater Jakarta area. Ismani, head of Perumka in Greater Jakarta, said Wednesday that the company currently operates 36 electric cars a day, far below their ideal number. "We hope to one day operate 60 cars a day, serving 180,000 commuters," said Ismani.

Paper of choice

Paper of choice I have not had such a light-hearted day in months. Mr. Werner Wasmuth's letter printed on Sept. 29, 1994 reminded me of what an active reader response column can do for a paper. I do hope that the readers maintain their participation and encourage the development of The Jakarta Post. I also want to congratulate the paper for the good job they are doing.

Tax and pensioner

Tax and pensioner From Kompas In 1972 I bought a house on a 300 square meter plot in Condet, Kramatjati, East Jakarta, for Rp 1,500,000. I made the necessary repairs in stages and it took 20 years for me to make it into a really decent house, although it is still far from luxurious. However, the land and property tax increases every year, which is very burdensome for a pensioner.

Gas station

Gas station From Kompas About two weeks ago I went to the gas station at Jl. Raya Maruya Ilir, West Jakarta at about 8.00 p.m. for gas. Before filling my tank, the gas attendant had filled a motorcycle's tank with two liters. Then he directly filled my car tank without first turning the pump's figures to zero. Luckily I noticed it and promptly pointed out the bad practice. But the attendant insisted he did turn the figures to zero, to which I strongly objected.

Top four world pairs secure ATP finals

Top four world pairs secure ATP finals JAKARTA (JP): With only four key tournaments remaining, the top four world pairs have secured their part in the Association of Tennis Professional (ATP) doubles championship final here in November.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) continued losing ground amid heavy selling pressure on both industrial and financial issues. The price drop pushed the Composite Index down to close at 497.23, the lowest since it broke the 500-level late August. The index was recorded at 502.12 on Wednesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also continued declining to close at 120.75 yesterday against 122.38 on Wednesday.

Telecommunications development plan

Telecommunications development plan By Furqon I. Hanief JAKARTA (JP): The world has been retaining its fever since Al Gore, vice-president of the United States, declared the idea of the Global Information Infrastructure (GII). The business society and government officials were stunned to learn of the vigorous possibilities of the coming era. With the advent of GII it means that there will be a huge hardware system which can deliver information to anywhere in the world, regardless of borders.

No certified helipads on 400 high-rises: Expert

No certified helipads on 400 high-rises: Expert JAKARTA (JP): An aviation experts said that none of the around 400 high-rise buildings built in Jakarta have rooftop helipads with technical specifications approved by the authorities. "Indeed we don't expect a fire to happen, but if one does it is faster to evacuate occupants by helicopter," said Andreas Prayogo, an executive of PT Gatari Air Service, in a seminar yesterday. A now defunct Jakarta Ordinance No.

RI-S'pore sign deal on air, tourism

RI-S'pore sign deal on air, tourism JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Singapore yesterday agreed to improve cooperation in air transportation, the tourist industry, the combating of forest fires and international fora.

Urban planning often overtaken by car

Urban planning often overtaken by car By Vincent Lingga William Yiu, an American urban planner educated at Cambridge University, shares his thoughts about the ways Jakarta and its surrounding suburbs could be developed into a totally better living environment in a recent interview with The Jakarta Post.

Lippo Group agrees to sell HK subsidiary for $109m

Lippo Group agrees to sell HK subsidiary for $109m JAKARTA (JP): The Lippo Group, a Jakarta-based diversified financial and property conglomerate, has agreed to sell 50.1 percent of its Hong Kong-based subsidiary Asia Securities International Ltd. to Dan Form International Ltd. of Hong Kong through a US$109.08 million (HK$843.2 million) transaction.

BRI bank

BRI bank Although everyone knows that banks are profit oriented, there are limits of decency that have to be observed. A true story about the BRI Bank in the small town of Kudus shows that the bank staff can go too far. The parents of a good friend of mine contacted the BRI to borrow a certain amount of money. They needed this to help their daughter in Jakarta. Bank staff visited their modest home and agreed to the loan.

Best decorated hotels, buildings named

Best decorated hotels, buildings named An award committee has named the buildings and sites in Jakarta that were best decorated on Indonesia's 49th Independence Day. The committee for the competition of best decorated buildings and tourist sites on Wednesday announced Sahid Jaya hotel as the first place winner for the five-star hotel category. The Borobudur Inter-Continental and Hotel Indonesia were named second and third place winners for that category.

Panji Sepuh exposes Australians to a new experience

Panji Sepuh exposes Australians to a new experience By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE (JP): Australian art and dance lovers have seen traditional dances from Indonesia. Balinese and Javanese dancers perform at heartening regularity in Australian cities, and occasionally there are also visits by cultural groups from other areas in Indonesia. Australia therefore, while still regarding Indonesian dances as somewhat exotic, have particular expectations when they come to an Indonesian dance performance.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Film Series: I'm Telling 3:05 Langka dan Unik 3:30 Science Program 4:00 School Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Film: Flora & Fauna 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Kiat Manajemen 6:05 Karya & Upaya 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Sebaiknya Anda Tahu 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Film: G 30 S PKI 11:45 World News 12:10 a.m. Comedy: "Talk Show" 01:15 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

The security-welfare link

The security-welfare link Sound and dynamic stability in this country is achieved not just by following the security approach, but also by welfare- oriented means. This statement was made by the Head of Social and Political Affairs of the Armed Forces (Kasospol ABRI), Lt. Gen. R. Hartono, in written remarks read by the Brawijaya Military Commander, Maj. Gen. Haris Sudarno at a national public relations convention in Surabaya on Sunday.

Hsu to appear in Hiroshima as CTOC guest

Hsu to appear in Hiroshima as CTOC guest HIROSHIMA, Japan (Agencies): Organizers of the Hiroshima Asian Games said yesterday that Taiwanese Vice Premier Hsu Li-teh has been granted an ID card as a guest of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee (CTOC).

Greek shipping tycoon sues local businessman for fraud

Greek shipping tycoon sues local businessman for fraud JAKARTA (JP): A local businessman was arraigned at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday on charges of defrauding his Greek shipping tycoon partner of US$1 million by giving false information. Prosecutor Uri Hasan Basri said that defendant R.

Missing Ugandan back to school

Missing Ugandan back to school YOGYAKARTA: A Ugandan student who went missing for over a month from Gadjah Mada University is now back at the campus to resume his studies. Kasozi Ismael Lubega, a postgraduate student on a scholarship under the South-South cooperation program, had been absent since Aug. 6, the Antara news agency reported. Lubega was spotted by a staff member of the Ministry of Education and Culture in Jakarta early this week.

Baby sale syndicate busted

Baby sale syndicate busted JAKARTA (JP): Police have uncovered a syndicate dealing with the sale of babies and have nabbed a suspect strongly believed to have been involved in the business. The syndicate was exposed after police received information from neighbors of the suspect, identified only as Djo, 34, who said they had often seen many babies in his house on Jl. Kebon Jahe, West Jakarta.

Arqam man assails KL's detentions

Arqam man assails KL's detentions BANGKOK (AFP): A senior Al Arqam official based in Thailand has assailed Malaysia's detention without trial of sect members and disputed the purported confession of sect leader Ashaari Muhamad.

Imported cement expected to heal acute shortage

Imported cement expected to heal acute shortage JAKARTA (JP): The government decided yesterday to open the gates to imported cement to overcome an acute shortage that is already hampering its development programs. Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman, making the announcement at his office yesterday, also promised to punish the speculators hoarding cement in order to profit from the shortages.

Adrianus retains OPBF title by knocking out RP's Ernie

Adrianus retains OPBF title by knocking out RP's Ernie JAKARTA (JP): Adrianus Taroreh kept his pre-match promise by knocking out Ernie Elesna of the Philippines in defense of his Orient Pacific and Oriental (OPBF) lightweight championship belt here yesterday. Adrianus, making his second title defense at smoky Senayan indoor stadium, connected with a lightning-fast left uppercut the second minute of the fifth round, sending the Filipino challenger sprawling to the floor.

Manai proud of his controversial book on Sukarno

Manai proud of his controversial book on Sukarno JAKARTA (JP): Manai Sophiaan is undeterred by the storms of controversy over his newly published book which tries to prove that the late president Sukarno was not involved in the 1965 communist coup. Manai, still looking vital despite his 80 years, insisted yesterday that the Kehormatan Bagi yang Berhak (Honor for the One Who Deserves It) was well researched.

Suparma expects to raise Rp 90b from public offering

Suparma expects to raise Rp 90b from public offering JAKARTA (JP): PT Suparma, a paper manufacturer based in Surabaya, East Java, expects to receive around Rp 90 billion (US$42.8 million) from its initial public offering next month.

Sing along with the poor

Sing along with the poor JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to put karaoke, often associated with sleazy bars and other night-life entertainment places, to good use: to motivate poor people. Voluntary workers recruited to supervise the use of a special government fund for needy people are now equipped with a portable karaoke set, the Antara news agency reported.

Out of water, now out of food

Out of water, now out of food CIAMIS, West Java: The extremely severe dry spell has not only caused water shortages in the area, but now it is threatening the food supply in Cigugur district. Some 1,740 out of the 2,875 inhabitants in Pagerbumi village have been treated for food-deficiency related diseases, district chief M. Setiawan reported. The 150 hectare of rice fields in the village, which are the main source of food for the inhabitants, have dried up due to the prolonged lack of rain.

A guard sentenced 20 months for murder

A guard sentenced 20 months for murder The East Jakarta District Court has sentenced Kasmari, 40, a security guard of PT Surya Agung Makmur Lestari, to 20 months imprisonment for killing an employee of the company and injuring several others. Presiding Judge Thomas Sumardi said on Wednesday that the court found Kasmari guilty beyond any reasonable doubt of killing Husein, a driver of the chemical company, and seriously injuring the others.

Schwarzenegger's `True Lies' finally banned

Schwarzenegger's `True Lies' finally banned JAKARTA (JP): True Lies, the comedy-action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which has been playing to full houses for the past two weeks, will be removed from movie theaters tomorrow at the behest of the Film Censorship Board (BSF). The Director General of Radio and Television of the Ministry of Information, Alex Leo Zulkarnain, announced the ban at his office yesterday, saying the decision was made after taking "people's aspirations" into account.

`Simponi' will be playing a different tune next Monday

`Simponi' will be playing a different tune next Monday JAKARTA (JP): Simponi, a weekly magazine with a wide readership in eastern Java but almost none in Jakarta, will be playing a different tune in its next edition set to hit the streets this Monday. If the weekly broadsheet bears a close resemblance to the old DeTIK tabloid, this is because many reporters and employees from the banned magazine have "joined" Simponi, if not virtually taken over its management.

700 motorists ticketed per day in `Zebra' drive

700 motorists ticketed per day in `Zebra' drive JAKARTA (JP): Police said that around 700 motorists were ticketed every day in and around the city during their ongoing one month traffic operation code-named Operasi Zebra 1994 which began on Monday. "During the first three days of the operation, a total of 2,085 traffic violators were ticketed. More than half were fined for disobeying traffic signs," said Col. Soeroso, the head of the Traffic Directorate of the City Police Headquarters.

No hurry on formal APEC: Expert

No hurry on formal APEC: Expert JAKARTA (JP): A foremost American political economist yesterday called on members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to refrain from a hasty formalization of the forum. Lawrence B. Krause, professor at the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University of California, San Diego, said here yesterday that the forum should continue utilizing the current structure of APEC as an informal forum.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Sense and nonsense of the communist threat

Sense and nonsense of the communist threat By J. Soedjati Djiwandono JAKARTA (JP): For the past 29 years, since the tragedy of the abortive communist coup attempt on Sept. 30, 1965, Indonesians have constantly been warned against the latent communist danger. We have always been reminded to be vigilant. This essay is not intended to commemorate that tragic event which is known locally by its popular Gestapu acronym. But it is, indeed, to remember that day.

PT Telkom awards $200m telecommunications deals

PT Telkom awards $200m telecommunications deals JAKARTA (JP): PT Telkom yesterday awarded contracts worth US$200 million to Siemens AG of Germany for the supply, installation and commissioning of telecommunication equipment in collaboration with two other state-owned companies. Setyanto P.

Kadin and Golkar to form guarantee fund next year

Kadin and Golkar to form guarantee fund next year JAKARTA (JP): After a long debate, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) together with the ruling Golkar party eventually decided to establish a guarantee fund early next year to spur the growth of small businesses, an executive says. Kadin Chairman Aburizal Bakrie told newsmen yesterday that the establishment of the guarantee fund, a kind of credit insurance firm, has endorsement from President Soeharto.

Islamic revival no threat to the West, scholars say

Islamic revival no threat to the West, scholars say JAKARTA (JP): Scholars strove yesterday to correct the growing view that the Islamic resurgence worldwide is a threat to the Western world, saying that the phenomenon of revival is actually affecting all religions. The scholars further asserted that many Islamic countries are still embroiled in their own problems, so it would be difficult for them to engage in the so-called "clash of civilization" with the West.

Municipality not to revoke PT CSU permit

Municipality not to revoke PT CSU permit JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said that the city administration will not revoke the land use permit of the company developing the Taman Rasuna apartments. The developers have violated certain regulations by illegally demolishing state-owned property. "Revoking the permit will only cause more trouble, but we must still penalize them for having violated the regulation," Surjadi told reporters at the City hall yesterday.

Govt begins housing teachers to help improve dedication

Govt begins housing teachers to help improve dedication By Prapti Widinugraheni MERAUKE, Irian Jaya (JP): The government has launched a new housing program for its teachers in the hope of making them more dedicated in their work. The first housing program for teachers, one of the country's lowest paid professions, is now being constructed in Merauke and is intended chiefly for teachers who are assigned to remote areas.

Giant tumor removed

Giant tumor removed PROBOLINGGO, East Java: Doctors at the Waluyo General Hospital removed a 35 kilogram tumor from the womb of a woman during a two hour operation on Wednesday. The woman was reported to be in fine condition following the operation, the Antara news agency reported. This is the biggest tumor the hospital has ever removed from a patient. The previous record was 10 kg. Doctors said that the woman had delayed going to see a doctor because she was trying to avoid surgery. (emb)

Aspac labors to beat Glory in Kobatama

Aspac labors to beat Glory in Kobatama JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Aspac of Jakarta was forced by little-known Glory to go to the limit before nipping the Semarang club 67-64 in a hard-fought battle on the second day of the National Semi-Professional Basketball League (Kobatama) yesterday. The match was nip and tuck from the onset, with the lead changing hands dramatically.

Multi-financing venture starts operating

Multi-financing venture starts operating JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad inaugurated a new joint multi-financing venture, PT KDLC Bancbali Finance (KBF), last night. The joint venture was set up by Indonesian and South Korean firms with paid-up capital of Rp 15 billion (US$6.86 million).

A matter of politeness

A matter of politeness From Kompas I am studying in Germany. I am spending my summer holiday in Indonesia together with my German boyfriend and his mother. The first day I was at home I already had an unpleasant and annoying experience. We drove our car and when we stopped at the traffic lights at Grogol crossroads, two young girls pointed their fingers at my German friend and laughed wildly.

Con artists arrested

Con artists arrested GROBOGAN, Central Java: Six con artists acting as collectors of donations for a mosque and an Islamic boarding school from West Java were arrested by police on Tuesday. The four men, aged between 24 and 34, and all from Bogor, were caught trying to get away after cheating a businessman out of Rp 1.5 million (about US$700), Antara reported.

Bapepam is seeking measures to improve stock liquidity

Bapepam is seeking measures to improve stock liquidity JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) Bacelius Ruru said here yesterday that his agency would impose stricter measures to improve the liquidity of stock trading on local markets. He said that Bapepam would also ask local stock exchanges to introduce stricter listing requirements so that only companies with a significant number of shareholders would be listed.

Official defends bans on series of NGO meetings

Official defends bans on series of NGO meetings JAKARTA (JP): The government denied allegations yesterday that permits for political gatherings and art performances are issued on a discriminatory basis. "The criteria are not so much based on who holds or addresses the meeting but on a consistent enforcement of the law," said Sutoyo N.K., the director general for socio-political affairs of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Rival HKBP upset by synod in N. Sumatra

Rival HKBP upset by synod in N. Sumatra JAKARTA (JP): A group of followers of the Toba Batak Protestant Church is protesting to the government for allowing their rivals to hold a grand synod in North Sumatra, saying that the decision has fanned conflicts within the church. Six members who are opposing the leadership of Bishop P.W.T.

Land and property tax service

Land and property tax service From Media Indonesia We did not know earlier that since last year the land and property tax has been raised so remarkably high. Many people even have to pay as much as three times the tax they paid in 1992. A friend of mine who owns a 2,110 square meter plot of land without any buildings on it, has to pay three times of the amount of the tax he paid in 1992, Rp 60,000 as opposed to Rp 20,000.

Suspected robber shot to death

Suspected robber shot to death Police said that an officer shot to death a member of a gang of five who robbed passengers of a 12-seat Mikrolet minivan in front of the Mayasari Bakti bus pool on Jl. Lt. Gen. Sutoyo in Cililitan, East Jakarta. Pos Kota reported that Second Sgt. Anggiat, who tried to foil the robbery, shot two of the suspects as they stabbed him in the chest.

Foreign exchange rates

Foreign exchange rates I am referring to Mr. de Jong's letter on Sept. 27. I really appreciated your ardent reminder to The Jakarta Post, due to their once omitting the Foreign Exchange Rates, and -- as if they hadn't paid any attention to your absolutely necessary facsimile in this matter -- even daring to commit the same sin a second time.

Police nab `undesirables'

Police nab `undesirables' MEDAN, North Sumatra: Police have arrested 200 prostitutes, tramps, robbers and gamblers in the first three days of Operation Cleansing in this city. City Police chief Col. Chairudin Ismail said the operation succeeded in lowering the crime rate in the country's third largest city. Security forces will move to take action against discotheques open during the day as they are a violation of the local government's rule on entertainment.

KL bans officials from joining sect

KL bans officials from joining sect KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia has banned all its civil servants from joining the outlawed Al Arqam sect, The Star newspaper said yesterday. It said a government directive, issued on Tuesday, took immediate effect. In the statement, the government also banned members of the Islamic movement from using any government facilities. The local media have estimated that 7,000 civil servants are members of Al Arqam.

Censor board defers decision on `True Lies'

Censor board defers decision on `True Lies' JAKARTA (JP): The Film Censorship Board (BSF) has deferred its decision on whether or not to stop the public screening of the action-comedy film True Lies until Saturday. A plenary meeting of the board's 45 members yesterday, convened to review the film's status, failed to reach any decision after five hours of deliberations with board officials, saying that further discussion was needed before a final decision could be made.

Parcel from U.S.

Parcel from U.S. From Kompas I am a chemistry teacher at the Senior High School in Central Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). I have an American friend, who is also a teacher. He sent me 18 books by post about chemistry and environment on Dec. 15, 1993 from the United States. But I have not received the parcel so far. I contacted my friend and asked him to check the parcel with the post office in his country. While I inquired about the matter in Indonesia.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share price drops continued on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday due to the lack of buying support from foreign investors. The Composite Index fell for the fourth consecutive day, losing another 5.1 points to end yesterday at 502.12 against 507.23 on Tuesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also lost ground to close at 122.38, as compared to 123.65.

Ardy tops IBF ranking list

Ardy tops IBF ranking list LONDON (Reuter): Leading world rankings issued by the International Badminton Federation on Tuesday after the 11th event of the World Grand Prix series, the United States Open, held in Los Angeles from Sept. 20-25: Men 1. Ardy B. Wiranata (Ina) 1,700 points, 2. Thomas Stuer- Lauridsen (Den) 1,240, 3. Heryanto Arbi (Ina) 1,065, 4. Joko Suprianto (Ina) 965, 5. Hermawan Susanto (Ina) 775, 6. Lioe Tiong Ping (Ina) 735, 7. Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen (Den) 725, 8.

Soeharto to meet Singapore Premier Goh in Yogyakarta

Soeharto to meet Singapore Premier Goh in Yogyakarta JAKARTA (JP): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will begin a two-day working visit in Yogyakarta today during which he will also hold talks with President Soeharto. Goh, according to an announcement by the State Secretariat yesterday, will witness the signing of two major agreements between the two countries.

Much a do about film thing

Much a do about film thing The censorship board's failure yesterday to decide whether to withdraw True Lies, an American film now circulating in this country, is understandable. The ban was requested by the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), an influential non-governmental body, which sees the film as degrading Islam.

Vice President's warning

Vice President's warning Vice President Try Sutrisno has again warned us of the importance of unity and cohesion to the Indonesian nation. The reminder, repeatedly stated by Pak Try both in his past capacity as Commander of the Armed Forces and later as Vice President, was this time given before participants of a conference of the Majelis Muslimin Indonesia on Monday. "Let there be no effort where ever and by whoever to turn (Indonesia) into a religious state," the Vice President said.

50 courting couples nabbed

50 courting couples nabbed Police have nabbed 50 courting couples from several hotels in Bogor, 70 kilometers southeast of here, during a special operation involving dozens of policemen and officials from the town's tourism board. The operation is part of Bogor's preparation in hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference scheduled for November. "We are striving 'clean up' and secure the city before the international conference," Bogor Police Chief Lt. Col.

Unocal starts power plant

Unocal starts power plant SINGAPORE (AFP): U.S. energy firm Unocal Corp. said here yesterday that the second of two 55-megawatt power plants started commercial operations at the company's maiden geothermal energy development project in Indonesia. The company's wholly-owned subsidiary Unocal Geothermal of Indonesian Ltd., under a joint operation contract from state oil company Pertamina, supplies energy to fuel power plants at the Gunung Salak geothermal field in West Java, south of Jakarta.

Basofi awaits Megawati

Basofi awaits Megawati SURABAYA: East Java Governor Basofi Sudirman and chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Megawati Sukarnoputri will meet here early next month to end the crisis gripping the political organization's local chapter. Relations between PDI and the provincial government are strained following Basofi's refusal to recognize Megawati's recent appointment of Sutjipto as the party's new chapter chief.

Press told to keep vigil over elements of communism

Press told to keep vigil over elements of communism JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko warns that the Indonesian press must remain on guard against the communist elements which continually try to infiltrate it. "Although communism no longer has the right to live in Indonesia ...

Emha reads critical poems before military

Emha reads critical poems before military SEMARANG (JP): After extensive ambivalence, rebel poet Emha Ainun Nadjib finally decided to read his poems to mark the local celebration of the Armed Forces (ABRI) Day. And the military showed no objection or any attempt to stop him on Tuesday night when he read his poems which are critical of authorities at the campus of the Diponegoro University. "There is no ban against art performances in Indonesia," said Maj. Gen.

KL declares alert on worsening haze

KL declares alert on worsening haze KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's environment ministry yesterday declared a nation-wide alert as pollution levels from a haze that has shrouded the country since August worsened and advised wearing surgical masks if necessary. Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding said Malaysia's air quality index was at 247 or at a very unhealthy level at 0100 GMT yesterday. An index level of 300 is considered hazardous.

Adrianus, Elesna at ideal weights for OPBF title bout

Adrianus, Elesna at ideal weights for OPBF title bout JAKARTA (JP): Both defending Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight champion Adrianus Taroreh and contender Ernie Elesna of the Philippines weighed in yesterday at their ideal weight for today's title bout. Adrianus, 28, making his second defense, weighed in right at 61.2 kilograms, the limit for the lightweight division. His contender, ranked number four, was an ounce lighter after a 15- minute steam bath.

The government to realign fishery policies, Soeharto says

The government to realign fishery policies, Soeharto says JAKARTA (JP): The government will realign its fishery policies in order to further develop the country's agricultural sector, says President Soeharto.

Private operator Pelita brings home remains of crash victims

Private operator Pelita brings home remains of crash victims JAKARTA (JP): The private operator Pelita Air Service yesterday flew home the remains of four of its six crew members who died when their transport plane plunged into the sea in Hong Kong last week. There was brief show of emotional when the caskets were handed over to their grieving relatives as most had been mourning for the past five days. Many were simply relieved that the agony and pain of waiting was finally over.

Court exonerates rector of sexual harassment

Court exonerates rector of sexual harassment JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court has exonerated Ali Moechtar Hoetasoehoet, the rector of a private education institution, from all charges of sexual harassment, due to inadequate evidence. "The court finds the defendant not guilty and has decided to acquit him of all the charges," presiding judge Doris A. Taulo said yesterday.

Seven projects bring investment record of $22b

Seven projects bring investment record of $22b JAKARTA (JP): Plans to establish seven large projects will bring foreign investments to a new record high of US$22 billion this year, State Minister for Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo said here yesterday. Sanyoto, also chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), noted that this year his office has approved 301 foreign investment projects with a total value of US$19.9 billion as of Sept. 24.

Star Card

Star Card I am excited to know that Lippo Bank in cooperation with Garuda Indonesia, Amcol, Pizza Hut, Matahari, Hero, and Gramedia (well known shops) will issue a multi function card called "Star Card." Previously, Lippo Bank has already had Lippo ATM for its customers. Being one, I have the card. Since there are Alto, Maestro, and Cirrus logos on it, it is obvious that this card can be used for withdrawing money from Automatic Teller Machines internationally.

Cement crisis in E. Timor

Cement crisis in E. Timor DILI, East Timor: Residents from 13 regencies in East Timor are condemning the lack of government supervision that has lead to a sharp increase in cement prices. Residents in the capital city of Dili say that the price of cement, Rp 9,000 a sack last month, has increased to between Rp 11,500 and Rp 13,000. In Manatuto, 63 kilometers east of Dili, residents say they are paying between Rp 12,000 and Rp 13,000.

Another ADB loan to RI

Another ADB loan to RI MANILA (Reuter): The Asian Development Bank has approved an interest-free emergency US$18 million loan to Indonesia to help rebuild infrastructure damaged by a severe earthquake in February, which killed more than 200 people. The money will go towards rebuilding roads and bridges, schools, health centers and public markets damaged by the earthquake in West Lampung district on the southern tip of Sumatra Island, the Manila-based bank said in a statement yesterday.

Bakrie forms new firm

Bakrie forms new firm JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie & Brothers, one of the holding companies of the Bakrie Group, formed here yesterday a new sub- holding company to strengthen the group's business in the power industry and in engineering activities.

Koja people will get low cost apartments

Koja people will get low cost apartments JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Real Estate Association (REI DKI) announced yesterday that a joint- venture company will build 5,000 low cost apartments in Cilincing, North Jakarta, for Koja residents who must move to make way for the development of a container terminal. The apartments will be jointly built by PT Pelindo, a state- owned seaport company, and PT Nayaka Realtindo Cakra Sarana Persada, a private developer.

Govt set to phase Asmat people into modern age

Govt set to phase Asmat people into modern age By Prapti Widinugraheni MERAUKE, Irian Jaya (JP): The government has resolved to phase various indigenous peoples like the Asmat tribe in Irian Jaya into the modern age without endangering their existence, a senior official of the Ministry of Education and Culture says.

Asian growth to slow as Chinese economy adjusts

Asian growth to slow as Chinese economy adjusts MADRID (AFP): Asia's economic growth is expected to slow this year as China moderates its hectic pace of industrial expansion to a more sustainable path, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said yesterday. But the IMF nevertheless projected faster growth rates for several individual Asian countries, notably the Philippines, South Korea, Pakistan, India and Thailand, citing inflows of investment and strong exports.

Alumindo Perkasa acquires a 66% stake in Determinan

Alumindo Perkasa acquires a 66% stake in Determinan JAKARTA (JP): PT Alumindo Perkasa Utama, the country's largest aluminum extrusion manufacturer, has acquired a 66-percent stake in the aluminum producer PT Determinan Indah for Rp 72 billion (US$33.09 million).

New terms on air ticketing to take effect

New terms on air ticketing to take effect JAKARTA (JP): Measures will be taken against any domestic airline violating last May's air ticketing agreement that will finally take effect as of Nov. 1, an executive says. The president of Sempati Air, Hasan M. Soedjono, told reporters here yesterday that the agreement was originally scheduled to take effect as of early July.

It must've been love

It must've been love JAKARTA (JP): A woman who gave up her profession as a prostitute because she tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is now back in Jakarta, as a housewife. The woman, who resided in Bekasi, was sent to her home village in Pemalang in Central Java after she tested positive last year, the Pemalang Health Office chief Dr. Subroto was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Banks told to help tourism

Banks told to help tourism JAKARTA (JP): The government has asked commercial banks to improve loans to tourism-related businesses, which are expected to help generate more foreign exchange for the country. Coordinating Minister for Trade and Industry Hartarto told an annual conference of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) yesterday that Governor of Bank Indonesia J. Soedradjad Djiwandono is committed to encouraging banks to help develop the tourism industry.

RI to host OPEC meet

RI to host OPEC meet JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host the 97th ministerial conference of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Bali from Nov. 21 to 23. "The meeting will discuss two main issues, replacing secretary general Subroto, whose second term ended in June, and determining a new quota system for the first quarter of next year," Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana said in a recent hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR).

Nuclear-powered electricity station

Nuclear-powered electricity station From Berita Buana People are still debating the government's plan to build a nuclear-powered electricity station (PLTN). Newspapers carry reports arguing the pros and cons of such a plan. In many seminars this issue creates heated debates. There is a group that was previously against the plan but later pledged its support. Another group expressed its objection to the construction of the electricity plant for unclear reasons.

Lawyers, councilors oppose steep rise in traffic fines

Lawyers, councilors oppose steep rise in traffic fines JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers and city councilors oppose a probable steep rise in traffic fines, saying that the Rp 1 million to Rp 6 million (US$476 to $2,860) fines announced by National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman Astrosemitro are too high. "Only a small elite can afford it," said Adnan Buyung Nasution, the chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), one of the most vocal non-governmental organizations in the country.

Diarrhea kills six in Ciamis area

Diarrhea kills six in Ciamis area CIAMIS, West Java: The death toll from the outbreak of diarrhea in this regency has risen to six and 1,400 people have been admitted to hospital. The number of affected subdistricts has also increased from four last week to six yesterday, Antara reported. Regent Dedem Ruhlia blamed the epidemic on unhygienic conditions, aggravated by the current prolonged dry spell and subsequent water shortage.

Students get EU grants

Students get EU grants JAKARTA: Eleven Indonesian postgraduates will soon be leaving for countries of the European Union (EU) where they will pursue advanced studies under the EC-ASEAN scholarship program, the Union's representative office in Jakarta announced. The program, established in 1991, offers ASEAN nationals the opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies in Europe.

Three to face trial for smuggling heroin

Three to face trial for smuggling heroin JAKARTA (JP): The National Police have handed over the dossiers of three suspects, a Malaysian, a Thai and an Indonesian, all of whom are charged with illegal possession of 29 kilograms of high-grade heroin. The dossiers stated that the three would face the death sentence or life imprisonment if convicted. Spokesman for National Police, Col.

Bima Sakti whips Hadtex 97-53

Bima Sakti whips Hadtex 97-53 JAKARTA (JP): A one-sided match opened the first leg of the ninth national semi-professional basketball league (Kobatama) yesterday, which, for the first time in its 12-year-old history has players imported from the U.S., China, Canada and the Philippines.

Ex-driver arrested for role in robbery

Ex-driver arrested for role in robbery JAKARTA (JP): City Police yesterday arrested a suspect and questioned two security guards in connection with a robbery at a property developer's office in Ragunan, South Jakarta. "Another suspect, identified only as Eko, is still at large," City Police spokesman Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar said, adding that the police are still investigating the possibility of collusion between the security guards and the main suspect.

Description of murderer

Description of murderer I must object to the use of the word "overzealous" to describe the 34-year-old man who was charged with killing his young lover ("Top female graduate killed by married man", page 3 of The Jakarta Post Sept. 21, 1994). A man who plans and executes the brutal murder of a woman he is in a relationship with can hardly be called "overeager" or "ardent" (synonyms in my dictionary for overzealous).

Many fail to pick up IDs

Many fail to pick up IDs Tens of thousands of South Jakartans have not collected their identification documents, leaving bundles of ID cards at the mayoralty population affairs office. Firdaus Asman, the head of South Jakarta Population Affairs Office, said over the weekend that between 15 and 20 percent of people who have their ID cards renewed have not picked up their citizenship documents. (09)

Mataram airport gets floodlit

Mataram airport gets floodlit MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The Selaparang airport, which is the gateway to Lombok Island, can now accommodate night flight services following the installation of a lighting system. West Nusa Tenggara Governor Warsito urged the authorities in Mataram to inform all airliners about the new facility and therefore bring more tourists to the island. The airport is now equipped with a fuel depot, thus allowing planes to refuel here.

Adrianus set to keep OPBF lightweight title

Adrianus set to keep OPBF lightweight title JAKARTA (JP): Adrianus Taroreh, holder of the Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) lightweight title, is ready to knock out Filipino challenger Ernie Elesna in their title fight at Senayan stadium tomorrow. "I can't tell you in what round I will knock him out but plans for a K.O were part of my training program," Adrianus said upon his arrival here from his hometown in Manado, North Sulawesi.

Kuntara named Indocement commissioner

Kuntara named Indocement commissioner JAKARTA (JP): Major General (ret.) Kuntara, a former chief of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), was appointed a commissioner of PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa during the company's special shareholders meeting here yesterday. Andree Halim, an old friend of Soedono Salim, alias Liem Sioe Liong, Indocement's majority shareholder, now sits on the firm's board of commissioners.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Government plans center to care for street children

Government plans center to care for street children JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday decided to open up an information center to deal with the problem of street children. The center will coordinate the activities of various private foundations which look after the interests of street children, according to Suyono Yahya, the secretary to Coordinating Minister of People's Welfare Azwar Anas.

E. Timorese meet E. Timorese, part II in London

E. Timorese meet E. Timorese, part II in London JAKARTA (JP): A delegation of 15 East Timorese left here for London last night for the second round of talks with fellow countrymen who oppose their homeland's integration with Indonesia and are now living in exile. The pro-integration delegation is being led by F.X. Lopez da Cruz, who is President Soeharto's ambassador at large on East Timor affairs.

ADB lends $357m to RI

ADB lends $357m to RI MANILA (Reuter): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said yesterday it had approved US$357 million in loans to set up a power project and improve vocational and technical education in Indonesia. The Manila-based bank said in a statement that $272 million would be used to improve power supplies on the island of Sumatra and to develop hydropower in East Timor and South Kalimantan.

Facilities at two Jakarta airports better

Facilities at two Jakarta airports better JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Transportation is upgrading technical facilities at two Jakarta airports to cater to Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders, who will convene in the West Java city of Bogor in November.

Pedestrian bridges needed

Pedestrian bridges needed From Neraca With the opening of the new road between Pejompongan and Manggarai, the traffic passing through Jl. Sultan Agung has become much denser. As a resident of Menteng Dalam in the area I now find it difficult to cross the road when I have to go to the market. The cars whiz by so fast it looks as if people no longer have the right to set foot on this road. I appeal to the authorities concerned to provide pedestrian crossings in this area.

Disturbing project

Disturbing project From Neraca The construction of a building at the site of the former Transaera Hotel on Jl. Merdeka Timur is most disturbing to residents as well as students who use Jl. Batu to go to and from school. Jl. Batu, which used to be clean and tidy, has become heavily damaged by trucks which use the road to carry heavy loads to a project site. The road is now covered with dirt which is dropped by the trucks coming from the project site.

Consortium formed for Manggarai bus station

Consortium formed for Manggarai bus station JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said the ministry has selected a consortium of seven companies to construct the Rp 7 billion (US$3.2 million) Manggarai integrated station in South Jakarta.

GATT principles will affect Indonesian economy: Minister

GATT principles will affect Indonesian economy: Minister JAKARTA (JP): A minister warned yesterday that the new principles of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) will affect Indonesia's economy, which is not ready to face fierce competition through trade liberalization.

As the saying goes, it's the money that counts

As the saying goes, it's the money that counts JAKARTA (JP): Next time you're invited to a wedding party, don't bring a present. Its "un-Indonesian," according to an aide to a cabinet minister. Give the money you would have spent on the present instead, said Muhd. Muhtadi, an aide to State Minister of State Administrative Reform. "Bringing present for any occasion is an alien tradition. The Indonesian tradition is to give money," Muhtadi was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Rail crash kills two

Rail crash kills two SUKOHARJO, Central Java: Two persons were killed and 16 others injured when a train crashed into a bus at an unguarded intersection in Gayam Sukoharjo on Monday. The Solo-Wonogiri train struck the center of the bus. Survivors said the bus driver did not see the oncoming train. (har/emb)

Soaring cement price

Soaring cement price From Neraca As a member of the community I am concerned about the recent soaring cement prices. We especially feel victimized because we are building a house for ourselves. We cannot abandon the project because we need a shelter for our family. So the only way out was borrowing from relatives and neighbors. According to traders, the high price is caused by an overabundance of demand from the side of consumers while the supply is limited.

Seminar on fire protection planned

Seminar on fire protection planned PT Pembangunan Jaya, a joint-venture company, will hold a seminar on fire and safety protection at high rise buildings. Billionaire Ciputra, the chairman of PT Pembangunan Jaya, said on Sunday that a number of engineers, consultants, bureaucrats and property owners will participate in the seminar. He did not explain when and where the seminar will be conducted.(09)

NU has its hands full of problems ...

NU has its hands full of problems ... By Santi W.E. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): The largest Moslem organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) will have a lot more to do in its coming national congress than licking its wounds.

`ASEAN network a potential force'

`ASEAN network a potential force' MANILA (Reuter): Southeast Asian states are forming a network of defense ties that will enable them to act as military allies without the need for a formal defense pact, Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Abdul Razak said yesterday. Najib rejected the idea of turning the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into a defense alliance, saying that would only exacerbate tensions and provoke the suspicion of other nations in the region.

Traffic anarchy continues

Traffic anarchy continues From Bisnis Indonesia Up to this moment the lack of discipline among city bus drivers and crew continues. Buses still stop at any place they want to pick up or drop off passengers. Through this letter I would like to appeal to the traffic police department to open a box for complaints so that citizens who have witnessed such violations can report them immediately to the authorities concerned. SUGIARTININGSIH Jakarta

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) sustained another loss yesterday as investors remained cautious over the possible rise in U.S. interest rates. The Composite Index dropped for the third consecutive day to close 2.9 points lower at 507.23 yesterday against 510.18 on the previous day. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also continued declining to 123.65 from 124.29. Securities dealers said the U.S.

Hong Kong residents shudder at what 1997 may bring

Hong Kong residents shudder at what 1997 may bring Text and photos by Fritz H. Pangemanan The Jakarta Post reporter recently spent five days with ethnic Chinese families in Hong Kong to collect first-hand information on their hopes and fears about Hong Kong's impending reversion to China in 1997. Following are excerpts of Hong Kong residents' comments on unification. HONG KONG (JP): Less than three years ahead, on July 1, 1997, Hong Kong will revert to Beijing's authority.

PPD to cooperate with private firms to manage public buses

PPD to cooperate with private firms to manage public buses JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned bus company, PPD, is studying proposals from a number of private companies to jointly operate more than 1,000 gas-powered public buses in the city. Yahya Subandi, the president of PPD, told reporters during a break in a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday that the study is needed due to lack of condensed- natural-gas (CNG) stations.

Behind the fires

Behind the fires After weeks of conflicting statements from government officials on the cause of the forest fires currently raging in Sumatra and Kalimantan, the Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo has come up with still a different view. He suspects foul play behind some of the fires.

Moslem leader calls for end to `True Lies' debate

Moslem leader calls for end to `True Lies' debate JAKARTA (JP): A prominent Moslem leader called on ulemas and the national censorship board to sit together and resolve once and for all the controversy over a film allegedly insulting to Islam. The uproar over the movie, True Lies, featuring American film star Arnold Schwarzenegger has created an impression of conflicts among the ulemas, an unwelcome picture for Indonesian Moslems, Lukman Harun said.

Indonesia Lady Open to tee off at BSD

Indonesia Lady Open to tee off at BSD JAKARTA (JP): A huge field of more than 180 lady golfers from seven countries including host Indonesia will grace the Bumi Serpong Damai plush golf link in Tangerang, west of here tomorrow.

Bouraq almost clips its wing

Bouraq almost clips its wing PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: A plane belonging to the private carrier Bouraq had a close shave with disaster when its wing sideswiped the runway as it taxied down on a flight from Jakarta on Monday. One of the propellers of the Viscer Viscount plane was damaged after the bumpy landing, but the 64 passengers aboard flight BO 210/121 barely noticed the incident and were unharmed, the Antara news agency reported. The plane was sent back to Jakarta empty for repairs.

City Council approves new scholarship promotion drive

City Council approves new scholarship promotion drive JAKARTA (JP): The City Council has approved a new regulation governing scholarships given to primary, junior high school, senior high school and university students. The funds will come from the city budget and from the Islamic Alms coordination body (Bazis), a semi-governmental agency. Approval was given in a session held yesterday to change the old provincial regulation no.

Chinese president to visit SE Asia

Chinese president to visit SE Asia SINGAPORE (AFP): China's President Jiang Zemin is to visit several Southeast Asian nations before and after he attends the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Indonesia in November, news reports said yesterday. Jiang will visit Singapore and Malaysia before the summit scheduled for Nov. 15. He will stay on in Indonesia for an official visit after the summit before heading for Thailand and Vietnam, local newspapers said.

Australia confirms arrest of RI fishermen

Australia confirms arrest of RI fishermen PERTH, Australia (AFP): A large group of Indonesian fishermen detained off Western Australia's far north coast at the weekend are from the island of Sulawesi, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority said yesterday. Greg Gayfer, the authority's deputy chief officer in Broome, the pearling port 2,500 kilometers north of here, said there were about 120 men, including skippers and crew, in the group.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Cartoon: Prince Valiant 3:05 Gita Wicara 3:30 Science Program 4:05 Comedy 4:30 Documentary Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Parlementaria 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music Contest: Asia Bagus 8:05 Spektrum 9:00 World News 9:30 Traditional Culture 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Court baffled by testimony of Bapindo bosses

Court baffled by testimony of Bapindo bosses JAKARTA (JP): It's Bambang Kuntjoro's and Sjahrizal's words against Adi Sugondho. The existence of a crucial board of directors meeting at the government-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) on the afternoon of June 2, 1992, has become a mystery as one director denied ever attending it while the other two insisted that all three were present.

Special measure planned to boost rice production

Special measure planned to boost rice production JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah said here yesterday that the government will take a special measure to minimize losses in rice production caused by the prolonged drought. Speaking to reporters following a meeting with President Soeharto, Sjarifudin said that the measure would include speeding up the rice plantation in a bid to provide sufficient rice supply early next year.

Cement shortage will not affect Perumnas target

Cement shortage will not affect Perumnas target JAKARTA (JP): The President of Perum Perumnas III, a state- owned housing company, said yesterday that the increasing price of cement will not hamper the company's target to build 90,000 low cost houses in the Greater Jakarta area by 1998.

Eight overpasses, tunnels planned

Eight overpasses, tunnels planned In order to alleviate traffic problems in some areas notorious for traffic congestion, the city administration plans to construct another eight overpasses and underpasses, a city official has said. Soeharto, the head of the City Public Works Office, said Monday that the eight overpasses and underpasses to be built include Karet overpass, Jatibaru overpass, Salemba underpass, and Pasar Pagi overpass.

U.S. allows 9% rise in imports of RI textiles

U.S. allows 9% rise in imports of RI textiles JAKARTA (JP): The U.S. government has agreed on a new quota allowing Indonesia to increase its textile and textile product exports to that country by nine percent in 1994-95, a report said yesterday. A Suara Pembaruan correspondent yesterday quoted U.S.

E. Timor serious about tourism

E. Timor serious about tourism DILI, East Timor: The provincial government is determined to develop tourism as one of its major sources of income. Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares said tourism has tremendous potential but requires professional management to make tourist objects attractive to both local and foreign holidaymakers. The provincial government is making the necessary legislation to minimize the negative impacts that the sector may bring.

Is it possible to found a new party in Indonesia?

Is it possible to found a new party in Indonesia? Talks about the need for a new political party have again resurfaced recently following the widely publicized congress of the Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP). Political scientist Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin argues that there is no need for a new party if it will only serve a few of the elite.

Haze cancels flights

Haze cancels flights JAKARTA (JP): PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines has announced the cancellation of flights for several routes due to the haze which has descended over many cities in Kalimantan and the southern part of Sumatra. Airline spokesman Benny Achmad said on Monday that the cancellation, from Sept.

Foreigners netted in citizenship operation

Foreigners netted in citizenship operation Twelve foreigners who were traveling without carrying identification cards, including eight Japanese, were netted in the citizenship operation in Central Jakarta. Pos Kota reported yesterday that four other foreigners netted on Monday's operation included a Dane, Australian, Canadian and South Korean. The foreigners were netted along with 108 Indonesian nationals registered as Jakarta and non-Jakarta residents in a citizenship operation on Jl.

Police ready to present Yorrys before the court

Police ready to present Yorrys before the court JAKARTA (JP): Police said yesterday that they will bring Yorrys Raweyai of Pemuda Pancasila to trial for his alleged role in a gambling case. "Whenever the judges want us to bring him before the court, we're ready," said Lt. Col. Gregorius Mere, head of the General Affairs Section of the Crime Investigation Unit at the City Police Headquarters.

Bushfire affects butterflies

Bushfire affects butterflies UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A forest fire raging near Bantimurung natural park is already affecting the habitats of various species of butterflies for which the area is famous. Head of the local forestry office, Adjat Sudradjat, said that the heat generated by the nearby bushfire may be harming the population of butterflies in Bantimurung.

Forestry, Transmigration at loggerheads over elephants

Forestry, Transmigration at loggerheads over elephants PUNCAK, West Java (JP): The Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Transmigration are at loggerheads over what to do with elephants since the beasts, which are a protected species, repeatedly attack villages in Sumatra. The elephant problem was discussed during a meeting between Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo and Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo here yesterday.

Pelti's policy upsetting players

Pelti's policy upsetting players JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti)'s refusal to register Benny Wijaya and Suwandi, the country's top two men's tennis players, for the Indonesia Challenger Tennis Tournament has caused disappointment among local tennis circles. Indonesia's former number one player, Tintus A. Wibowo, said he was "deeply disappointed" at learning of the refusal.

Aussie MPs favor more cooperation

Aussie MPs favor more cooperation JAKARTA (JP): Australia's apparent ambivalence continued here yesterday as visiting Members of Parliament (MP) demonstrated their affection for Indonesia despite a tough new line taken by Australia's ruling Labor Party on the issue of East Timor.

Nomads blamed for Kalimantan forest fires

Nomads blamed for Kalimantan forest fires PUNCAK, West Java (JP): Nomadic tribes who are still practicing slash and burn cultivation caused the majority of this year's bushfires in Kalimantan, Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo said yesterday. "Our studies suggest that most of the fires in Kalimantan were caused by transient farming practiced by the local people," Siswono told reporters after a meeting with Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo in this hill resort.

Councilor against trigger-happy cops

Councilor against trigger-happy cops JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the City Council said that it is not against the law for a city police officer to shoot criminals to death as long as the officer fulfills certain requirements. "There are four things that should be fulfilled by the police before deciding to shoot a criminal dead. First a policeman or woman should fire warning shots into the air in an effort to stop the criminal from running away.

... especially concerning who's in charge

... especially concerning who's in charge JAKARTA (JP): The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) was established 67 years ago, but it is not exactly free of organizational problems such as ineffective line of command. Since late last year, NU has been challenged to revamp its structure in order to improve its effectiveness and clarify of the line of command. The organization has three main departments, namely Syuriyah, Tanfidziyah and Mustasyar.

Official cites engine failure as cause of plane crash in HK

Official cites engine failure as cause of plane crash in HK JAKARTA (JP): A preliminary study indicates that engine failure caused the Pelita Air Services transport plane to lose control and plunge into the Hong Kong harbor as it was taking off from Kai Tak airport last Friday, a senior Ministry of Transportation official said yesterday. Director General of Civil Aviation Zainuddin Sikado told reporters yesterday that the Pelita pilot lost control of the plane because of engine trouble.

A tiring trip

A tiring trip From Jayakarta Quite recently I had to go to Yogyakarta for several days and as usual when I go on long trips, I traveled by bus. To make sure that the long trip back to Jakarta was comfortable I chose a bus company whose name was quite well known. The higher fare did not matter because I wanted to feel fresh when I arrived, since I still had to go to work. For a while after the Muncul bus departed Yogyakarta all seemed fine.

Six large firms sell 3.4m shares to cooperatives

Six large firms sell 3.4m shares to cooperatives JAKARTA (JP): Six private companies yesterday agreed to sell 3.4 million of their shares to 83 cooperatives in various parts of the country. Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya said at a ceremony for the signing of the agreement that the government needs help from big companies to promote the development of cooperatives and small enterprises.

Poet offers to recite the Koran

Poet offers to recite the Koran SEMARANG (JP): Poet Emha Ainun Najib, who has often been at odds with the military because of his critical poems, has politely turned down an offer by the local military chief to read his works, but he offered to recite the Koran instead. "I will read verses from the Koran," Emha said of his planned appearance at the commemoration of Armed Forces (ABRI) day at the campus of the Diponegoro University.

SBSI chief back on his feet

SBSI chief back on his feet MEDAN, North Sumatra: Muchtar Pakpahan, the chairman of the outlawed SBSI union who collapsed while reading his defense in court last week, is back on his feet although he remains hospitalized. Muchtar was seen walking about his room at the Pirngadi general hospital in Medan but no one, not even his in-laws, have been permitted to see him, according to the Antara news agency.

RI-Australian insurer

RI-Australian insurer JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Finance has approved the establishment of an Australian-Indonesian joint insurance venture called PT Asuransi QBE Pool Indonesia, The Australian embassy said here yesterday. QBE Pool is 70 percent owned by QBE Insurance, one of Australia's largest insurance groups, and 30 percent by publicly listed PT Pool Asuransi Indonesia.

Kupang fishermen need help

Kupang fishermen need help Forgive me any fellow Australians reading this but I must say I have seen more slightly eccentric Australians in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara than I have ever seen anywhere else. Including myself! All of us senior citizens trying to escape from the "TV culture society" back into a familiar, simpler, lifestyle. However we do complicate life for the locals by trying to impose "European thinking" on Southeast Asian culture.

Sea access to Karimunjaya

Sea access to Karimunjaya JEPARA, Central Java: Access to the Karimunjaya Islands in the Java sea has been restored, with the start of the regular shipping service from here by the Jakarta-based PT Addision Pacific Bahari Lines. The Graydash ship began its service from here on Friday, charging Rp 10,000 a passenger and Rp 25,000 for a cabin. The liner hopes these rates are sufficiently attractive to lure travelers.

Try warns of danger of theocratic state

Try warns of danger of theocratic state JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno warned yesterday of the danger of flirting with the idea of turning Indonesia into a theocracy. Try said the predominantly Moslem country of 190 million people should learn from its bitter past when the nation was divided for 350 years by colonial powers.

ASEAN talks: The good, the bad and the ugly

ASEAN talks: The good, the bad and the ugly By Jim Hatton CHIANG MAI, Thailand (AFP): Economic officials from the six countries that comprise ASEAN ended a week of talks that saw more progress than expected in a plan to cut tariffs, but also showed divisions over relations with the larger APEC trade forum.

RP, Malaysia sign defense agreement

RP, Malaysia sign defense agreement MANILA (AFP): The Philippines and Malaysia signed here yesterday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for defense cooperation, officials said. The agreement, signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Renato de Villa and his Malaysian counterpart, Najib Abdul Razak, calls for the exchange of information and logistics and the holding of joint military exercises between the two countries.

National golfers to Monaco

National golfers to Monaco JAKARTA (JP): Following strict screening from July through September, three Indonesian golfers have been named to represent their country for the BWM Cup finals at the Monte Carlo Golf Club in Monaco next month. The three were the winners in the final selection competition contested at the plush par-72 Jagorawi course near Bogor last Sunday, with 33 players in the fray.

Czech-RI business meeting

Czech-RI business meeting JAKARTA (JP): Some 48 businessmen representing 36 Czech companies will gather at the World Trade Center here next Monday to engage in one-on-one meetings to forge potential commercial relations with Indonesian counterparts. Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa said here yesterday that meetings will coincide with the three day Indonesian visit of Czech Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus, who will arrive here yesterday under the invitation of President Soeharto.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued losing ground in moderate trading as buying sentiment was further dampened by fear of another rise in U.S. interest rates. The Composite Index dropped to close lower at 510.18 yesterday as compared to 512.57 on Friday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index, which rose slightly to 124.89 on Friday, booked a loss to close at 124.29.

Pertamina, Esso to sign deal on LNG projects

Pertamina, Esso to sign deal on LNG projects JAKARTA (JP): The state oil company Pertamina and Esso Natuna Inc., an affiliate of the U.S. Exxon Corp., are expected to sign an agreement on a US$34 billion natural gas liquefaction project in the Natuna Sea by the end of this year.

Roads to Cinere in bad shape

Roads to Cinere in bad shape The Cinere area in southern Jakarta has many attractions which receive less than the potential business because of the terrible condition of Jl. Karang Tengah and Jl. Cinere Lebak Bulus. As recent residents of Villa Cinere Mas we invited friends to come from all over Jakarta to play golf, shop at the Cinere Mall and other stores, and eat in local restaurants. They come once, but refuse to come again due to the dangerous and slow roads.

Small business get bank credits of Rp 31t

Small business get bank credits of Rp 31t JAKARTA (JP): Governor of Bank Indonesia J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said here yesterday that credits extended by banks to small businesses as of June reached Rp 31 trillion (US$14.3 billion) or 26 percent of their total credits. John D. Conroy, the executive director of the Foundation for Development Cooperation, meanwhile, said that Indonesia is the most successful country in Asia in implementing the project of Linking Banks and Self-Help Groups (PHBK).

Cileduk-Kalideres line needed

Cileduk-Kalideres line needed From Suara Pembaruan Bus services from Cileduk to Blok M, Senen and Pulogadung are now available. Most residents of Cileduk are very happy about the increasing availability of public services in our area. We are disappointed, however, by the fact that public transportation services between Cileduk and Kalideres are still lacking. Their availability is of the greatest importance to those residents who live in Cileduk but work in Kalideres.

RI, China to coordinate satellite slots

RI, China to coordinate satellite slots JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will hold talks about satellite slots with China later this year as the domestic Palapa-B2R satellite is interfering with dozens of China's satellites, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave says. He said yesterday that there are actually three Indonesian satellites which are interfering with 14 Chinese satellites. "We have already settled the slots of two satellites, Palapa- B2P and Palapa-B4.

Renovation permit for PIM

Renovation permit for PIM The South Jakarta administration has said that it will issue a permit for the renovation of Pondok Indah Mall which was ravaged by fire over the weekend after the completion of an investigation concerning the condition of the structure. Djafri Djamaluddin, the head of South Jakarta Development Supervision Office, said that the investigation will be done by a team from the mayoralty administration.

BII, Lend Lease tie up

BII, Lend Lease tie up JAKARTA (JP): Lend Lease Corporation of Australia formally began its Indonesian operations yesterday through its joint venture with Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII). The joint venture, named BII Lend Lease Investment Services, operates in management services, investment management and providing technical assistance and supervision in the management and administration of pension funds.

Three killed in road crash

Three killed in road crash SEMARANG: Three people were killed and three others seriously injured when a crowded bus collided with a truck on the busy Semarang-Bawen highway near Bergas Kidul village. The Trisakti bus serving the Semarang-Yogyakarta route, was apparently racing with another bus before it crashed head on with the truck coming from the opposite direction, according to witnesses. The three injured were treated at the Kariadi hospital in Semarang. (har/emb)

Omissions in the `Post'

Omissions in the `Post' Herewith I am drawing your attention again to omissions in your The Jakarta Post paper, the largest English language newspaper in Indonesia. Several weeks ago I informed you by fax that you omitted the Foreign Exchange Rates column in your paper, for which I did receive an answer by fax that you were sorry but that the error was due to human error.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:00 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: New Adventures Of Robinhood 4:30 Iptek 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Gatra Kencana 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Insight 8:05 Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 11:35 Late News 11:45 Film : Blazing Forest Program 2 4:30 p.m.

HK's Kwan wins SEA touring race

HK's Kwan wins SEA touring race JAKARTA (JP): Hong Kong's racer Charles Kwan won the eighth leg of the Southeast Asia Touring Car championship which ended on Sunday at the Sentul international track near Bogor. Clocking 31:23.06 in his BMW, Kwan outpaced his closest rival, Man Manit from Thailand, by 0.97 hundredths of a second. Manit, driving a Mercedes-Benz, was the pace setter in the previous seventh stop clocking in at 31:57.67.

12 RI fishing boats held in Australia

12 RI fishing boats held in Australia BROOME, Australia (AFP): Australian patrol boats have detained a dozen Indonesian fishing vessels with a total of 116 people aboard for allegedly operating in an offshore nature reserve, an official said yesterday. The motorized Indonesian boats were detained in the Ashmore Reef area, a spokesman for the national customs service said.

Dangerous road

Dangerous road From Pelita The road leading to Pondok Kacang/Parung Serab looks very dangerous because the bank at one side pitches very steeply and there are no railings or warning signs. As an inter-city bus driver who passes that stretch regularly I am afraid because of the curve and the steep bank. I urge the authorities to pay due attention to the situation before any accidents happen. MARGONO Jakarta

Benny, Yayuk join top seeds in Asiad tennis

Benny, Yayuk join top seeds in Asiad tennis JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best tennis players Benny Wijaya and Yayuk Basuki will be among the top five seeds in the men's and women's singles competitions at the upcoming 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima as surprise withdrawals by the host's top players mar the sports meet.

KL wants joint arms industry

KL wants joint arms industry KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia said members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should cooperate in developing their defense industries in order to cut costs, The New Straits Times newspaper reported yesterday. ASEAN collaboration would expand the industrial base and maximize economies of scale, the paper quoted Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Abdul Razak as saying on Sunday after a six-day seminar for army logistics officers.

Agrarian law in retrospect

Agrarian law in retrospect The Agrarian Law enacted in September 1960 is one of the masterpieces in the history of the nation's legislative body. The law has virtually turned the discriminative Dutch colonial law on land upside down. The question is, is the law still relevant today? This question is more pertinent because land-related cases are becoming more complex as the agrarian minister himself said last week.

Bring your IDs or you'll be punished

Bring your IDs or you'll be punished The city administration is launching a city-wide operation on citizenship documents called Justice Operation Part II, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 13. Soesila Darmoadji, a spokesman for the city administration, said over the weekend that the operation was meant to encourage Jakartans to carry their identification cards when they travel.

Army asks Emha to perform

Army asks Emha to perform MAGELANG, Central Java: The Diponegoro Military Command is asking vocal poet Emha Ainun Najib to read some of his poems during the local celebration of the upcoming Armed Forces (ABRI) Day, the Antara news agency reported. Diponegoro Command Chief Maj. Gen. Soeyono, described by the news agency as an ardent art lover, said he plans to invite Emha to discuss the plan.

Cement shortage puzzling

Cement shortage puzzling President Soeharto did not mention anything about the current chaos in the cement market in his speech when he inaugurated a new cement plant in East Java yesterday. The cement issue might be too insignificant for the President to comment on. But the bitter fact is that the puzzling questions about the steep rise in cement prices since July have remained unanswered.

Police seek new proof to bring Ria to court

Police seek new proof to bring Ria to court JAKARTA (JP): Despite the recent decision by the City Prosecutor's Office to drop charges against starlet Ria Irawan, police declared yesterday that the artist was involved in the death of her ex-boyfriend Rifardi Sukarnoputra. The difference in view between the police and the prosecutors concerning Ria's case "is just a matter of conviction," said City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto.

BDN, Eksim pulled out of GKG project in time

BDN, Eksim pulled out of GKG project in time JAKARTA (JP): Bank Dagang Negara (BDN) and Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia (Eksim) pulled out of a syndicated loan for businessman Eddy Tansil as soon they discovered that something was wrong with the credit arrangement.

Indosat qualified for dual listing of its shares

Indosat qualified for dual listing of its shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosat, the state-owned international telecommunications company, qualifies for the dual listing of its shares on both the domestic and foreign capital markets, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave says. Joop told a hearing with Commission V of the House of Representatives yesterday that the government has never barred an Indonesian company from launching a combined offering.

Forest fires may be due to arson

Forest fires may be due to arson JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo says arson may be behind some of the forest fires now raging in Sumatra and Kalimantan. Some of the fires may have been politically motivated, while others resulted from conflicts of interests, for example between forestry concession holders and their workers, or with local people, Djamaludin said yesterday.

Censor board told to review `True Lies'

Censor board told to review `True Lies' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko has asked the Film Censorship Board (BSF) to review its decision to release the action-comedy film True Lies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in view of an appeal by Moslem leaders to stop its screening. "I leave the matter entirely to the BSF because we have to respect the board as an institution," Harmoko, whose portfolio includes supervising the board, was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying yesterday.

1,500 officers deployed for Operation Zebra

1,500 officers deployed for Operation Zebra JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto launched the scheduled month-long operation on vehicle documents yesterday, deploying 1,500 personnel from various institutions. The operation, codenamed Operation Zebra 1994, includes personnel from the police, military, Traffic and Land Transportation Control Agency (DLLAJR), military police of the Armed Forces (POM-ABRI) and state-owned tollroad firm PT Jasa Marga.

Revival of tax holiday possible for certain areas

Revival of tax holiday possible for certain areas JAKARTA (JP): The government, which terminated tax holiday provisions in 1984, is likely to reintroduce such incentives to foster investment in the eastern part of the country.

Losing share transactions will also be taxed

Losing share transactions will also be taxed JAKARTA (JP): Tax Director General Fuad Bawazier said yesterday that the proposed tax on the capital market will not discourage stock trading even though it will also be imposed on losing transactions. Fuad said that the new capital market tax, which will use a single rate of 0.1 percent (1/1,000) of the transaction value, will replace the 15 percent tariff which is presently imposed on the capital gains in stock trading.

Bali has poor traffic record

Bali has poor traffic record DENPASAR, Bali: The holiday island of Bali has one of the worst traffic accidents in Indonesia with an average of one person killed every day, according to the police. Brig. Gen. Hartoyo, chief of the Nusa Tenggara Police which also oversees Bali, said that Denpasar is now also developing traffic jams because of the increasing business activities in the city, including that which results from tourism, the Antara news agency reported.

RI to hold tourism mart

RI to hold tourism mart JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of international travel agency executives have confirmed their attendance at Indonesia's first International Tourism Mart, which will be held from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3.

Cijantung residents ask for more water

Cijantung residents ask for more water JAKARTA (JP): Residents suffering from a shortage of drinking water due to the current drought in Cijantung, East Jakarta, have urged Governor Surjadi Soedirdja to provide them with more water. Representatives of the residents made the request directly to the governor when he and his entourage visited the area on Sunday.

Petitioners establish new pro-democracy movement

Petitioners establish new pro-democracy movement JAKARTA (JP): Another pro-democracy movement was established yesterday bringing together more than 500 petitioners who are calling for sweeping political reforms in Indonesia. The latest group, whose proponents say was formed by a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is called Aliansi Demokrasi Rakyat (Alliance of People's Democracy), Aldera for short.

Soeharto dedicates two new cement factories

Soeharto dedicates two new cement factories JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, amid the current cement crisis, dedicated two cement factories with a combined annual capacity of 3.3 million tons and a urea plant with a capacity of 460,000 tons in a ceremony in East Java yesterday.

Semarang gets new police chief

Semarang gets new police chief SEMARANG: Lt. Col Adang Rismanto, formerly chief of the South Jakarta police precinct, is now in charge of the police precinct in Semarang, replacing Col. Didi Widayadi. When he served in South Jakarta, Adang was launched to national fame with the adept and quick handling of the murder of painter Abdullah Basuki last year. He was also in charge of the investigation of the death of a young man at the house of starlet Ria Irawan in Jakarta early this year.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

`Tempo' reporters have second thoughts about suing Harmoko

`Tempo' reporters have second thoughts about suing Harmoko JAKARTA (JP): Former journalists of the defunct Tempo magazine, in a desperate attempt to obtain a new publishing license, said yesterday that they are willing to reconsider their lawsuit against Minister of Information Harmoko filed with the Jakarta State Administrative Court last week.

Goh to witness pact signing

Goh to witness pact signing SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will visit Yogyakarta in Indonesia on Thursday for the signing of a tourism cooperation agreement and an air services pact, his office said yesterday. He will also call on President Soeharto. Details of the agreements were not given.

Four survivors of Pelita plane crash flown home

Four survivors of Pelita plane crash flown home JAKARTA (JP): Four of the six survivors of the Pelita Air Services transport plane which plunged into the Hong Kong harbor shortly after take off last Friday were flown home yesterday. They arrived at Halim Perdanakusumah Airport on board a small Pelita plane which was sent especially to pick them up. The other two survivors remained hospitalized in the British colony, according to a Pelita spokesman.

Yorrys' absence delays gambling trial

Yorrys' absence delays gambling trial JAKARTA (JP): Seven people, including an executive of a shadowy, powerful youth organization, were arraigned at the West Jakarta District Court yesterday in connection with gambling. Yorrys Raweyai, the day-to-day chairman of Pemuda Pancasila, was supposed to have been tried along with six other defendants on charges of organizing and playing rummy and macok at a storehouse in West Jakarta in July, but didn't show up in court yesterday.

Developer told to move cement mixing plant

Developer told to move cement mixing plant JAKARTA (JP): The city administration yesterday ordered the developer of the Taman Rasuna apartments in Kuningan, South Jakarta, to move its cement mixing plant 500 meters away from a nearby school building to protect students from dust and noise coming from the plant. "The city administration has given the developer two weeks from Sunday to move the plant to the other site," said Prawoto S.

RI ousts Holland in Bridge Olympics

RI ousts Holland in Bridge Olympics JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian bridge team was ranked 16th in the world after beating the Dutch 133-116 on Sunday in the Bridge Olympics in Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. On the first 16 boards, Indonesia was 23 International Match Points (IMP) behind Holland which garnered 40 IMP. But on the second 16 boards, Indonesia managed to notch one IMP ahead of the Dutch team which tallied 38 IMP.

ABRI sends medical datachment to Bosnia

ABRI sends medical datachment to Bosnia JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung bade farewell yesterday to troopers who are taking part in Indonesia's peacekeeping mission in the war-torn Bosnia Herzegovina. The Garuda XIV contingent is a detachment of chiefly Army personnel who will join the United Nations peacekeeping force in the former Yugoslav republic, marking the first time that Indonesia has sent such a mission to a European country.

Koja plaintiff wants suit to stay put

Koja plaintiff wants suit to stay put JAKARTA (JP): Hasan Saman, a resident of North Koja in North Jakarta who is filing a Rp 6 billion lawsuit against the city administration and a state-owned company over a land dispute, asked the judge yesterday to turn down the defendants' argument. "The defendants' argument which said that North Jakarta District Court is not legally competent to try the case should be ignored," Hasan said.

Search for chopper's missing pilot continues

Search for chopper's missing pilot continues JAKARTA (JP): Search and rescue workers continued scouring the Tomini Bay in Central Sulawesi yesterday for the body of the pilot of PT Gatari's helicopter which crashed into the sea on Saturday. Meanwhile, the bodies of three crew members were flown to Jakarta to be handed over to their relatives.

Elephants at it again

Elephants at it again LIWA, Lampung: A herd of wild elephants have wrecked havoc at several villages here which have barely been rebuilt following the fatal and devastating earthquake early this year. Dozens of elephants, believed to have strayed from the Bukit Barisan National Park, have been attacking villages, devouring plants and destroying house recently rebuilt, according to the Antara news agency.

RMB buses with collectors

RMB buses with collectors From Bisnis Indonesia I recently read in the newspapers about the plans of the Jakarta passenger transportation company (PPD) to introduce the RMB (rute metode baru or new-method routes) involving six different pools on a trial basis. Up to now only a few buses use this RMB system. According to PPD's public relations chief Hamim Busro, this measure is designed to improve the company's service to the public while raising revenues.

Sunda puppet show at Play House

Sunda puppet show at Play House The Mask and Sunda Puppet Show from Cirebon and Indramayu, West Java, will entertain visitors on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Jakarta Play House as part of the programs of the Jakarta International Festival of the Performing Arts (JIFPA). The show will be presented by the Sunda arts group named Lingkung Seni Jawa Barat under the coordination of Dr. End Suanda.

Rebel captured in Dili

Rebel captured in Dili DILI, East Timor (JP): The police captured a member of a clandestine group that assaulted a guest at a wedding party in Bemori, one kilometer north of here Saturday. Sgt. Sidik of the Dili Police Precinct identified the suspect as Francisco, 25, one of 10 members of a clandestine group who beat up Miguel, a 45 year-old hospital employee.

Venture capital firm set up in Medan to help local economy

Venture capital firm set up in Medan to help local economy MEDAN, N. Sumatra (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad sees venture capital financing as one of the most effective ways of enhancing the development of small and medium-scale enterprises as investors usually bring in equity funds as well as managerial and marketing skills.

Chinese official cancels visit to Asian games

Chinese official cancels visit to Asian games TOKYO (Agencies): Chinese State Councillor Li Tieying has canceled a visit to Japan for the Asian Games in protest at plans for the Taiwanese deputy prime minister to attend, Japanese news media reported yesterday. Li was scheduled to arrive in Japan on Monday and pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama.

Union to help workers get 13th-month's salary

Union to help workers get 13th-month's salary JAKARTA (JP): Executives of the state-sponsored All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI) said that they were prepared to help enforce a ministerial decree which makes it compulsory for all companies to pay their workers an extra "13th month" salary every year. "We're prepared to help. And we'll launch a campaign to inform workers of this latest development," said Salam Sumangat, the chairman of SPSI's Jakarta chapter.

Steve King talks of software components and mergers (2)

Steve King talks of software components and mergers (2) By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Last Monday I presented the first part of my recent interview with Steve King, Lotus Development's VP for the Asia Pacific region. Here's the second part of it in which Steve shared his views on worldwide networks, mergers and component software. ZA: Could you tell us a little bit about Lotus and AT&T joint- venture? SK: Sure.

KL, Italy to sign air accord

KL, Italy to sign air accord KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia and Italy will ratify an air services agreement in November allowing the Malaysian Airline System (MAS) to land in Rome, the New Straits Times newspaper reported on Saturday. The national carrier was given provisional approval to begin twice weekly flights to Rome in March, it quoted Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik as saying on Friday.

Excessively high taxes

Excessively high taxes From Sinar Pagi Without any warning the land and household tax rate for 1993 has apparently been drastically raised. A buddy of mine still has not paid his tax. Beside the fact that the deadline is not until Dec. 31, many residents in his area are confused. I appeal to the tax authorities to pay attention to this problem because lower-income Indonesians cannot afford to pay the present rates. Some people even see them as a form of extortion.

South Jakarta roads

South Jakarta roads From Pelita Not very long ago, I wrote a report on the condition of several roads in Cinere, Lebak Bulus and Karang Tengah in South Jakarta. In Cinere, many of the roads are in good condition because they have just been repaired. But the repairs along many streets in Karang Tengah and Lebak Bulus have not been done well enough. The workers have not repaired the damage entirely. They simply ignored minor damage.

Wind-powered energy project introduced in Central Java

Wind-powered energy project introduced in Central Java BOGOR (JP): The government has launched a modest, pilot wind power project in Jepara, a town in Central Java. The town is located in the same peninsula where Indonesia will build its first nuclear project. People in two small villages in the Jepara regency, in Bulak Baru and Kalianyar, are already enjoying electricity supplied by wind-powered turbines.

Malacca Straits may turn into dead sea: Paper

Malacca Straits may turn into dead sea: Paper KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): The Straits of Malacca, one of the world's most congested waterways, will soon be devoid of marine life unless action is taken to fight oil pollution, the New Straits Times newspaper reported yesterday.

General Harseno publishes biography

General Harseno publishes biography Former Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. (ret.) K. Harseno, who is currently inspector general of development, celebrated the publishing of his biography at a ceremony at his mansion in Ceger, East Jakarta late last week.

Developing countries warned about food shortage in 2000

Developing countries warned about food shortage in 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Developing countries should prepare themselves for food shortages predicted to hit various parts of the world in 2010 as predicted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), says an Indian scientist. Dr. Vandana Shiva, director of India's Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Natural Resources Policy, said every country in the world would be faced with food problems in the next five to 15 years.

Pontianak's fog or smoke?

Pontianak's fog or smoke? It is unfortunate that the "Literacy Day Commemoration" (Jakarta Post Sept. 22, 1994) was canceled due to "fog" at the airport in Pontianak. The attendees missed an opportunity to see a weather phenomena unknown to the rest of the world. Fog is a common condition resulting from the ambient temperature decreasing until the moisture in the air condenses into tiny droplets. It is in fact, a cloud of visible water vapor in contact with the surface of the earth.

Teacher kills colleague

Teacher kills colleague MEDAN, North Sumatra: Police have arrested a man suspected of stabbing a fellow elementary school teacher to death in Labuhan Batu district last week. Police said the man stabbed Mabiah Rambe repeatedly with a knife during a bitter argument in their office just as pupils were arriving at school in the morning. Rambe, who sustained seven stab wounds to her body, died on the way to the hospital, Antara reported.

Four projects for export-oriented oil refineries approved

Four projects for export-oriented oil refineries approved JAKARTA (JP): The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) has approved commitments for the construction of four export-oriented oil refineries in South Sulawesi, North Sumatra and East Java with a combined investment of US$7.2 billion.

West Nusa Tenggara to woo investors despite obstacles

West Nusa Tenggara to woo investors despite obstacles DILI, East Timor (JP): West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), one of the poorest provinces in Indonesia, is determined to woo investors despite prevalent obstacles in developing the region. "This province actually has potential to attract investments because it is located near major tourist areas like Bali, Komodo Island and Toraja in South Sulawesi," said NTB Governor Warsito here recently.

An elephant sale of a different color

An elephant sale of a different color JAKARTA (JP): Psst. Wanna buy an elephant? It's available for Rp 7.5 million ($3,600) a piece and it comes complete with its trainer. As part of the government's drive to contain the elephant problem, the Ministry of Forestry is now offering 184 elephants, tamed ones rather than wild, to forestry concessionaires and plantation companies in the hope that they will be employed to help transport or move bulky material.

Haze problems in Singapore worsen

Haze problems in Singapore worsen SINGAPORE (AFP): A haze enveloping Singapore worsened yesterday with the Singapore Environment Ministry issuing its second consecutive health warning in 48 hours. The ministry said in a statement that the Pollution Standards Index (PSI) reached 122, the highest reading to date. The reading on Saturday was 112.

Mass dismissals regretted

Mass dismissals regretted From Kompas A close friend of mine has complained about his bad luck. On Feb. 17, he was dismissed along with 12 of his colleagues without any clear reason or severance pay. These people had worked, on average, more than ten years for the company.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Peter Pan & the Pirates 3:00 Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: Unsolved Mysteries 4:30 Students' Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Family Program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Army Program 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Van Der Valk 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Terror Out Of Sky Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Helicopter crash kills three in C. Sulawesi

Helicopter crash kills three in C. Sulawesi JAKARTA (JP): A helicopter belonging to PT Gatari with five crew members aboard crashed into the sea in Donggala, Central Sulawesi, killing three people on Saturday, a press report said yesterday. A spokesman for that Central Sulawesi office of transportation, Lusty Soegito, said that one person was still unaccounted for and identified the only survivor as co-pilot John Marjono. He said pilot Abdul Rahman, 45, was still missing and presumed dead.

Canada to hold seminar

Canada to hold seminar JAKARTA (JP): About 30 Canadian government officials and private sector representatives will participate in a seminar at the World Trade Center in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday to look for business opportunities with Indonesian partners.

Merger of bus lines to improve service

Merger of bus lines to improve service JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Economy and Development Tubagus M. Rais said over the weekend that the city administration is conducting a study on the possibility of merging city bus companies in a bid to better serve the public.

ASEAN still not satisfied with Japan market access

ASEAN still not satisfied with Japan market access CHIANG MAI, Thailand (Reuter): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is still not satisfied with Japan's efforts to allow greater access for its goods, ministers from the six member countries said on Saturday. "To say we are very happy, I don't think we can say so... We cannot rest satisfied with the state of affairs," Said Thai deputy prime minister Supachai Panitchpakdi at a joint news conference.

Cement prices still high at retail stores

Cement prices still high at retail stores JAKARTA (JP): Cement prices, spurred by a lack of supply, remained high at retail businesses in the greater Jakarta area on Saturday. Prices of cement, which peaked mid-last week at Rp 12,000, the highest level for the last three years, dropped slightly to between Rp 8,000 and Rp 11,000 per 40-kilogram sack at building material stores in Jakarta, Depok and Bogor over the weekend.

Four killed in bus crash

Four killed in bus crash SEMARANG, Central Java: Four people were killed and more than a dozen others injured, several critically, in a chain collision involving a crowded bus, a jeep and a truck near here Saturday. Doctors at the Ungaran and Ambarawa hospitals, where the victims were admitted, said two men and two women died before receiving treatment due to their serious injuries.

Merrill Lynch upbeat about Indonesia's economy

Merrill Lynch upbeat about Indonesia's economy JAKARTA (JP): The outlook for the Indonesian economy remains promising in the fourth quarter despite the fall in the country's exports during the first five months of this year, according to Merrill Lynch, a noted multinational securities company. In its latest Asian Economic Commentary, Merrill Lynch said that Indonesia's exports have shown signs of recovery after suffering a decline in the January-May period.

Exporters to get awards

Exporters to get awards JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is expected next month to present awards to 78 model exporters for their distinguished efforts in fostering the country's non-oil exports. The selection of the model exporters is carried out by the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) based on exporters performance as well as their commitments in fostering the welfare of their laborers and preserving the environment.

Schwarzenegger's `True Lies' insulting to Islam: Ulemas

Schwarzenegger's `True Lies' insulting to Islam: Ulemas JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has been rocked by disagreements among its members over an action-comedy film featuring American muscle-bound film star Arnold Schwarzenegger. The controversy over the film True Lies, which is now still being screened at various movie houses across Indonesia, was started by one of its own members who said that the movie was insulting to Islam.

Regulation on pension funds questioned

Regulation on pension funds questioned JAKARTA (JP): The government should lessen the investment restriction on pension funds to give them more of a chance to generate high returns on investments, said Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Pension Funds Kadarisman. He said here over the weekend that the investment restriction on pension funds as stipulated by the Minister of Finance's decree No. 231/93 is no longer relevant today because it is considered too protectionist.

Compensation refused

Compensation refused BOYOLALI, Central Java: Over 300 families have refused compensation from the local government offered five years ago for the graves of their relatives in order to make way for a giant reservoir. The residents are demanding Rp 7,500 ($3.44) in compensation for each grave but the government refuses to increase the Rp 7,144 it has already set.

City builds three-star hotel

City builds three-star hotel JAKARTA (JP): Buoyed by optimism over increased demands for three-star hotels in the city, PD Wisata Niaga Jaya, a city-owned company, will build a 16-story hotel in the Kabel area, Cempaka Putih district, Central Jakarta. Gito Bantas, the company's president, said in the ground- breaking ceremony late last week that the state-owned Bank DKI and a number of private banks had agreed to jointly finance the construction of the three-star Hotel Cempaka Mayor.

EU, ASEAN end meeting skirting rights issue

EU, ASEAN end meeting skirting rights issue JAKARTA (JP): Foreign Ministers from the European Union (EU) and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) ended their two-day meetings in Karlsruhe, Germany, on Saturday by adopting a declaration which scarcely touched on the issue of human rights. In a 35-chapter declaration, the human rights issue was alluded to in general terms with reference to the United Nations charter and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Indonesia avoids Swiss clean sweep in Davis Cup

Indonesia avoids Swiss clean sweep in Davis Cup JAKARTA (JP): Benny Wijaya denied a Swiss clean sweep at the Davis Cup World Group qualifier yesterday, as local tennis fans were disappointed by the absence of Swiss Olympic gold medalist Marc Rosset. Indonesia's number one Benny gave his side a consolation win by breezing past unheralded Swiss Patrick Mohr, a reserve for big serving Rosset, 6-1, 6-3.

Weekly Stock Exchange Review

Weekly Stock Exchange Review JAKARTA (JP): Share prices across the board fell last week amidst dull trading activities with sporadic selling orders. The market maintained its bearish course for the second week, with the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index falling by another 13.1 points from the previous week, to close the week at 512.57. Trading during the week also recorded a lower volume compared to the preceding week, indicating the wait-and-see attitude of investors.

144.8 hectares of Koja land appropriated

144.8 hectares of Koja land appropriated JAKARTA (JP): The district chief of Koja, North Jakarta, said on Saturday the land appropriation committee has appropriated one third of 144.8 hectares of land in North Koja subdistrict for a container terminal expansion project. "Up to now the committee has already appropriated 2,105 plots of land in North Koja subdistrict from the total of 6,500 plots," said Jurthoni.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

ASEAN, Japan agree to help repair Indochinese economies

ASEAN, Japan agree to help repair Indochinese economies CHIANG MAI, Thailand (AFP): The ASEAN nations and Japan agreed here Saturday to form a joint committee that will seek ways to help repair the war-shattered economies of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. The two sides said in a statement that the working group on Economic Cooperation in Indochina would have two people from each member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Japan.

Post Office launches `Shop by Mail' service

Post Office launches `Shop by Mail' service By Lenah Susianty BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Indonesia will officially partake of its mail order service for the first time tomorrow. Belanja lewat pos, or shopping by mail, will be one of the most recent programs of the state-owned postal service Perusahaan Umum Pos dan Giro (PPG). The new service will include the operation of leased aircraft to cater to hard-to-reach areas, particularly those in the eastern provinces.

Mother to sue police for shooting swindle suspect

Mother to sue police for shooting swindle suspect JAKARTA (JP): The mother of Humala Hutabarat, the country's most sought after bank swindler, will file a lawsuit against City Police for shooting dead her son during a recent raid. "He gave a policeman Rp 200 million as a bribe. I know the police deliberately shot my son to death because they were afraid that this secret would be exposed," Mrs. Pasaribu, 74, told reporters at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital on Friday.

Police confiscate porn laser discs

Police confiscate porn laser discs Kebun Jeruk police have confiscated around 200 pornographic laser discs from a number of disc rental shops in Kedoya, Kebun Jeruk, Joglo and Green Garden housing complex, all in West Jakarta, during a sweeping operation conducted from Sept. 16 to 22. Maj. Velino S., the chief of Kebun Jeruk police station, said over the weekend that most of the confiscated discs featured Western and Mandarin films.

Fire razes food crops

Fire razes food crops SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A bush fire destroyed 10 hectares of food crops here on Saturday. The two-hour fire was about to hit the nearby residential area of Selili when 20 fire fighters rushing to the scene with three fire engines managed to bring it under control. The authorities still have to investigate the cause of the fire and to estimate the losses,Antara reported. The farmers who lost their crops hope the government will give them financial assistance.(pan)

Arief threatens to sue rector

Arief threatens to sue rector SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): A lecturer at the Satyawacana Christian University has threatened to sue the chief of the college's foundation and its rector on charges of tarnishing his reputation. Arief Budiman, an outspoken intellectual, gave the foundation chief and its rector until Sept. 25 to revoke a letter of warning issued against him or face a law suit.

No water, no worries

No water, no worries JAKARTA (JP): There are a few things I have taken for granted in my life. Electricity, telephones and running water head this list. Living in Jakarta has shaken my belief in these icons of modern living, none more so than when our water supply ran dry a few weeks ago. It was a warm afternoon when we received the diagnosis of our water situation.

Indonesia's quest for gold at Asiad

Indonesia's quest for gold at Asiad By Dwiamanta JAKARTA (JP): History always repeats itself, but it is uncertain when Indonesia will emulate its glorious performance 32 years ago in the Asian Games. It was at the fourth Games in 1962 when Indonesia, playing host to Asia's biggest sporting extravaganza for the first time, carved out a piece of national history by nabbing second spot behind longtime sport giant Japan. Nobody had ever expected such a feat.

Business section lends train a touch of class

Business section lends train a touch of class By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): It used to be easy to spot the train from Rangkasbitung, West Java, along the numerous tracks at Kota station in downtown Jakarta. "It was always the one with the cleanest roof, wiped clean by all the passengers' bottoms. They were always the dirtiest compared to the other passengers," says Muhari, an official at the Sudimara station in Tangerang. No more.

Tobacco ads ban planned in Pacific

Tobacco ads ban planned in Pacific KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Delegates at a World Health Organization (WHO) meeting say they plan to push Western Pacific governments to ban advertising and sponsorship by cigarette companies by 2000. A ban on any kind of tobacco promotion would lead to a reduction in smoking in a region where more and more people were lighting up, the delegates to the 45th WHO committee meeting for the Western Pacific said on Friday.

JAKARTA (JP): A fire swept through the southern section of the

JAKARTA (JP): A fire swept through the southern section of the Pondok Indah Mall, a posh shopping center in South Jakarta early in the morning yesterday. No casualties were reported in the blaze, which took 17 fire engines, 130 firemen and dozens of security officers more than eight hours to extinguish. E. Sumarna, the chief of South Jakarta fire department, told reporters that the fire may have started in Nelayan Village restaurant on the second floor of the building.

Six Indonesians killed in air crash in Hong Kong

Six Indonesians killed in air crash in Hong Kong JAKARTA (Agencies): Six Indonesians were killed and six others injured when a Hercules transport plane belonging to the private operator Pelita Air Service plunged into the harbor at Kai Tak airport, officials said. In Jakarta, a Pelita spokesman confirmed that the plane had been on its way home to Jakarta on Friday after flying refugees from Hong Kong to Vietnam for the United Nations.

Crossword

Crossword Let me first congratulate you on the launching of The Jakarta Post on Sunday. I particularly enjoyed the piece on Lake Patengan. I was reading from article to article when, to my horror and disbelief, I came to the crossword in Bahasa Indonesia. To a British person like myself the Sunday crossword is a time for relaxing and enjoyment. If I could read Bahasa Indonesia then I would have chosen to read a newspaper in Bahasa Indonesia and not in English.

Swiss waltz a 3-0 win in D. Cup

Swiss waltz a 3-0 win in D. Cup JAKARTA (JP): The 1992 French Open winning pair of Marc Rosset and Jakob Hlasek secured Switzerland a 3-0 unassailable lead over Indonesia in their Davis Cup World Group qualifying round match yesterday. Armed with ballistic serves and blistering strokes, the Swiss overcame the stiff challenge of Indonesian doubles team Bonit Wiryawan and Donny Susetyo 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 in a match which lasted two hours and 15 minutes.

JP/1/RAILWAY.@05

JP/1/RAILWAY.@05 The state-owned Perumka railway company celebrates its anniversary on Sept. 28. On that fateful day in 1945, control of the service was wrested from the Japanese run Tedsudo Kyoku by the company's young Indonesian employees. The action was precipitated by Indonesia's declaration of independence, which inspired the youths who worked for the company to stage a coordinated action all over the country to seize the reins of the company.

Safe insecticides?

Safe insecticides? Congratulations on your maiden issue of the Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post, which I found at once entertaining and informative. On behalf of our company, S.C. Johnson & Son, I would also like to thank you for publishing excerpts from a recent interview by Ms. Lenah Susianty on our newest aerosol insecticide Raid Non-Kerosene in the feature article entitled Are There Really Any Safe Insecticides?

Young booters need longer training stint abroad

Young booters need longer training stint abroad By Arif Suryobuwono JAKARTA (JP): One year of strenuous training stint won't be enough for young booters to turn themselves to top players even though they took the lesson the hard way in Italy, one of the world powerhouses in soccer. At the ongoing 29th Asian Under-19 soccer championship at Senayan, they only managed to hold Qatar to a 1-1 draw during the first round, and fell victim to the marauding Syrians with 0-4 defeat in the second.

Perumka makes train ride more comfortable

Perumka makes train ride more comfortable BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Traveling by train used to mean queuing in long lines for tickets, flocking to dirty coaches, delays and discomfort. That was years ago, when trains were looked upon as an inferior mode of transportation designed for people in low income brackets. Today, the depressing scene is changing. Smartly dressed celebrities and chic executives carrying handphones are part of the standard scenery, at least on certain trains.

Moslem leaders want `True Lies' withdrawn

Moslem leaders want `True Lies' withdrawn JAKARTA (JP): The influential Indonesian Ulema Council appealed to the authorities yesterday to stop the screening of the action-comedy film True Lies because of the feud it has caused. The council refrained from categorically stating that the film denigrates Islam as some of its members had earlier proclaimed.

RI to get new $7.2b oil refineries

RI to get new $7.2b oil refineries JAKARTA (JP): The Investment Coordinating Board has approved investment commitments of US$7.2 billion for the construction of four oil refineries in South Sulawesi, North Sumatra and East Java. State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo told a hearing of Commission VI of the House of Representative on Friday that the four refineries will be constructed by private companies under a foreign investment licensing scheme.

RI workers for Malaysia

RI workers for Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia has relaxed its freeze on the hiring of Indonesian workers by hiring 3,000 for its booming electronics industry, the state news agency Bernama reported yesterday. The electronics sector, which brings in about 30 billion ringgit (US$11.7 billion) in sales annually, employs around 200,000 workers. Malaysia faces a labor shortage following six years of rapid economic growth.

Park beautification starts in October

Park beautification starts in October Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Affairs Tb. M. Rais said that the project to "beautify" the Medan Merdeka park, a park across from city hall in Central Jakarta, will be started in October. M. Rais said that the Rp 380 billion (US$174 million) project will take four years to be completed.

E. Timor PDI has new chief

E. Timor PDI has new chief DILI, East Timor: Gabriel da Costa was elected the new chairman of the provincial branch of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in a local congress on Friday. The congress also selected the branch's executive board and the nine-member advisory council. Gabriel said he would focus on how to win more votes in the youngest province for the party, a nationalist and Christian alliance, in the 1997 general election.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 p.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ; at G.K.I. Pondok Indah at 6 p.m.

Vietnam forges new links with Eastern Europe

Vietnam forges new links with Eastern Europe By John Rogers HANOI (Reuter): Despite a hefty debt burden and not much investment money in the bank, Vietnam and ex-communist countries of Eastern Europe are starting to forge new relationships on the back of old friendships. Vietnam remains communist-ruled but is grafting a market economy onto its old command system, and the new relations with Eastern Europe are not political.

Malaysian opposition party expects snap election soon

Malaysian opposition party expects snap election soon KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is expected to call for a snap national election soon to secure another five-year term, opposition members said yesterday.

Switzerland takes 2-0 Davis Cup lead

Switzerland takes 2-0 Davis Cup lead JAKARTA (JP): Switzerland gave a tennis lesson to Indonesia yesterday, when the visiting team took a comfortable 2-0 lead in the first day of their Davis Cup World Group qualifying round. Despite the sweltering heat at the Senayan tennis stadium, Marc Rosset and Jakob Hlasek were too strong for Benny Wijaya and Suwandi; the Swiss players swept the first two singles of the five-match tier without dropping a single set, in under two-hours of play apiece.

Prominent Acehnese to save Leuser park

Prominent Acehnese to save Leuser park JAKARTA (JP): Prominent Aceh figures have lent credence to the campaign to save the Leuser National Park, a landmark in the province whose biodiversity resources are now threatened due to ignorance and neglect. Together they founded the Leuser International Foundation on July 23, with the goal of campaigning for the promotion and protection of the natural diversity of the forest.

Punishment in order

Punishment in order From Jayakarta As a citizen of Jakarta I resent the action by PT Catur Swasakti Utama (PT CSU) which ordered a number of public facilities demolished -- Elementary Schools 09 and 010 Menteng Atas, a PKK (family welfare organization) building and a building owned by the Ministry of Education and Culture. That was obviously not a commendable thing to do.

Street urchins

Street urchins The three articles about street urchins in the Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post really moved me. I pity those children who at such a very young age have to live off the streets and endure the hardships, injustices, treacheries and all the other agonies of such a life. Living as street urchins has made them truly independent of anyone as they have to face all their problems -- the hunger, the fears and the injustices -- all by themselves.

Caring mother

Caring mother From Neraca I honestly sympathize with the lady I met on a minibus between Pasar Minggu and Blok M recently, although I don't know her name or address. The lady expressed her concern on seeing so many students loafing in groups outside their classrooms during school hours. Although I could only listen briefly to the way she guides and educates her own children, I am sure she was sincere. She regularly consults her children's teachers to see how they are doing in school.

Freeman Foundation offers scholarships

Freeman Foundation offers scholarships The Indonesian-American Institute (LIA) announced yesterday that Freeman Foundation of the United States is offering scholarships two senior high school graduates from Indonesia who want to work toward Bachelor of Arts degrees. The foundation was established by Mansfield Freeman, who founded the American International Group Incorporated insurance company.

APEC leaders unlikely to reach agreement on free trade region

APEC leaders unlikely to reach agreement on free trade region JAKARTA (JP): APEC leaders are unlikely to reach agreement on the establishment of a Pacific free trade area at their meeting in Bogor south of here in November due to unavoidable discrepancies among members.

NGOs a step closer in suit against Soeharto

NGOs a step closer in suit against Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Seven non-governmental organizations (NGOs) made major progress in their suit against President Soeharto over the use of a forestry fund when the State Administrative Court ruled their case valid. The court's chief Benjamin Mangkoedilaga told reporters after meeting with the plaintiffs' lawyers in a 15-minute closed session that the suit was valid and that court is determined to continue the legal process.

Bakrie gains $568m from rights issuance

Bakrie gains $568m from rights issuance JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie & Brothers announced yesterday that it has generated US$568 million from its sold-out rights issuance, the biggest fund-raising exercise ever conducted by an Indonesian company. None of the money will be directly channeled into the company's core businesses.

Newspapers resist cost increases

Newspapers resist cost increases SRAGEN, Central Java: The Newspaper Publishers Union (SPS) is still negotiating with the government and the Paper Producers Association (APKI) to set the price for newsprint which is to be raised on Oct.1. SPS Chairman Sugeng Wijaya said the hike is unavoidable because of the soaring price of imported raw materials for paper.

Ex-servant arrested for stealing car

Ex-servant arrested for stealing car A former domestic helper who is believed to have stolen a new Mercedes Benz sedan from his former employer's house has been arrested with an associate in Pancoran. Head of the Pancoran police station in South Jakarta, Maj. Syafrizal, announced yesterday that Tomo, 21, a disgruntled, former servant, was arrested Wednesday.

Officials defend work on giant dam

Officials defend work on giant dam KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian environment officials yesterday rushed to the defense of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad for launching preliminary work on a giant dam project slammed for its potential environmental impact. Mahathir gave the go-ahead last Monday for a local company, Ekran Bhd., to begin work on the project in the southern Sarawak state which will flood 18,000 hectares of forests to generate some 3,000 megawatts of electricity.

Politics is art of unspoken communication, scholar says

Politics is art of unspoken communication, scholar says JAKARTA (JP): Politics in Indonesia is an art of unspoken communication in which the nuance of signals and symbols often count more than words, according to a mass communication expert from the University of Indonesia. Indonesia, like most Asian countries, has a "high context culture" where people tend to express themselves in an implicit manner and expect others to understand them without having to spell things out, M.

Regent orders company to stop sand quarrying

Regent orders company to stop sand quarrying TANGERANG (JP): In response to protests from students of a private school, the Tangerang regency administration has ordered a private company, which carried out unauthorized sand quarrying, to stop its activities. Tangerang Regent H. Saifulah Abdulrachman dispatched a team of Public and Law Bureau officials to the sand quarrying site on Thursday. Keys, trucks and excavators of PT JBI's were confiscated.

Fruit farmers will get low-interest loans

Fruit farmers will get low-interest loans JAKARTA (JP): The government has designated a number of banks to provide loans to farmers carrying a low interest rate for the development of the horticultural industry.

Is idealism dying?

Is idealism dying? From Pikiran Rakyat On reading Dr. Ruslan Abdulgani's article titled Erosion of Nationalism in Indonesian Society I feel compelled to express my concern. The tide of individualism and materialism are constantly eroding the rock of nationalism and patriotism. It seems that individualistic and materialistic thinking is also affecting social behavior in our society, thus conflicting with the values we are trying to instill in people.

Japan, Syria in final showdown at U-19 c'ship

Japan, Syria in final showdown at U-19 c'ship JAKARTA (JP): Syria and Japan lock horns tomorrow for the 29th Asian Youth Under-19 soccer championship title after each won semifinal matches at Senayan stadium last night.

Top ulema ready for debate on new party

Top ulema ready for debate on new party JAKARTA (JP): An influential ulema who planned to form a new political party, following his organization's defeat in the recent chairmanship election of the United Development Party (PPP), has softened his stance. K.H. Yusuf Hasyim, chairman of the law-making body (Syuriyah) of the largest Moslem organization Nahdlatul Ulama, said he is willing to discuss his plan with other people, including Harsudiono Hartas, a member of the Supreme Advisory Board.

China denies Taiwan's Vice Premier at Games

China denies Taiwan's Vice Premier at Games BEIJING (Agencies): China yesterday quoted the president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) as saying that it had not invited Taiwan vice premier Hsu Li-teh to attend the Asian Games in Hiroshima next month. Japan has said it will issue a visa to the vice premier to attend the games, due to start in October, in his capacity as chairman of a committee heading Taiwan's bid to host the 2002 Asian Games and said the visit is unrelated to politics.

S. Korean president to visit Manila

S. Korean president to visit Manila MANILA (AFP): South Korean President Kim Young-sam will visit the Philippines in November on his way to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Indonesia, Philippine Press Secretary Jesus Sison said here yesterday. Sison said that Kim would visit the country Nov. 10-12 and would meet Philippine President Fidel Ramos to discuss economic matters including increasing Korean investment in the Philippines.

Goverment wants DPR to stop rift on protectionism

Goverment wants DPR to stop rift on protectionism JAKARTA (JP): The government, which has been widely criticized for its protectionist measures for certain industries, assured yesterday that any future decision on protection will be priorly deliberated by an inter-ministerial team.

Harmoko faces second lawsuit over `Tempo'

Harmoko faces second lawsuit over `Tempo' JAKARTA (JP): In the latest move to protest the government's closure of Tempo news weekly, 50 employees of the defunct magazine have filed a lawsuit against Minister of Information Harmoko, who revoked its publishing license in June. This is the second suit filed against the minister in connection with the demise of Tempo. The first was filed by the weekly's former chief editor Goenawan Mohamad on Sept.7.

Students protest high absenteeism

Students protest high absenteeism SALATIGA, Central Java: Hundreds of students of the economic school of the Christian Satya Wacana University staged a protest on Thursday against the management for allowing a high rate of absenteeism among staff lecturers. The students said that many of the lecturers who are notorious for their failure to turn up for classes are known to be working at other colleges.

An extra month's salary

An extra month's salary The decision was long overdue. The decree issued by Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief obligating all companies to pay their workers an extra month's salary each year was hailed as very good news last week. Year after year workers regularly staged labor strikes demanding bonuses for religious holidays, especially at Idul Fitri.

Emir Keitta winner of Young Fashion Talent Contest 1994

Emir Keitta winner of Young Fashion Talent Contest 1994 By Kunang Helmi Picard JAKARTA (JP): The fashion scene in Indonesia proved itself to be alive and kicking with innovative creativity when the Femina Group staged the 16th Young Fashion Talent Contest on Thursday. Each of the 258 participants were required to show a minimum of five everyday outfits together with three evening ensembles, all harmonizing under one continual theme.

Vietnam set to join ASEAN

Vietnam set to join ASEAN HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam expects to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year and there are no political or economic obstacles to membership, Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam said yesterday. ASEAN foreign ministers agreed in July to give Vietnam active support to become a full member in 1995, he told Reuters in an interview.

`Kiblat' building case postponed

`Kiblat' building case postponed JAKARTA (JP): The parties who claim to own a disputed building on Jl. H. Agus Salim 24, Central Jakarta, have agreed to the appeal of the city administration not to take action that will make handling of the case more difficult. "We have agreed to the request of the city administration not to take any action until the completion of the investigation on the case," said Hari Utomo, the circulation manager of Kiblat biweekly.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Sports: Tennis Davis Cup (rerun) 4:05 Film Series 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Traditional Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Tata Busana 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Caller 9:00 World News 9:30 Karya Nada 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: The Shock Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 English News Service 8:00 TV Series: Swans Crossing 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Petrochemical shortage to continue, analysts say

Petrochemical shortage to continue, analysts say SINGAPORE (AFP): Asia will continue to suffer a shortage of petrochemicals despite feverish efforts to increase capacity to meet rapid economic growth in the region, industry officials and analysts said yesterday. Demand for petrochemicals in the region would grow by up to nine percent annually, more than double world growth, because of increasing Asian exports of value-added products, such as textiles, clothing, footwear and machinery, they said.

Court acquits defendant of murder charge

Court acquits defendant of murder charge JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta District Court has acquitted defendant Ridwan Surya Dhanu of the charge of murdering his clandestine lover in January. "The court decided that defendant Ridwan must be acquitted from all charges because there is no strong evidence which indicated that he is the man behind the killing of Dr. Riyama Yawoga," said presiding judge Soemarjono yesterday.

State banks entrusted to sell Tansil's firms

State banks entrusted to sell Tansil's firms JAKARTA (JP): Two state banks, Bank Dagang Negara (BDN) and Bank Bumi Daya (BBD), have been entrusted with the management of three companies belonging to convicted businessman Eddy Tansil and have the option to sell them. A lawyer representing Tansil said yesterday that his client was released from jail for a day last week to attend a shareholders meeting of the Golden Key Group, which he formerly owned.

Lampung police sued for wrongful arrest

Lampung police sued for wrongful arrest JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers representing a 13-year old boy have filed for a pretrial hearing with a court in Lampung against the police, citing wrongful arrest of their client. The Bandar Lampung office of the Legal Aid Council (LBH) has joined with the boy's lawyers in filing the suit against the police in Panengahan in south Lampung. The lawyers said their client was picked up by the police on Aug. 15 as a suspect in the rape of a 10-year old girl.

Rights campaigners protest increases in restrictions

Rights campaigners protest increases in restrictions JAKARTA (JP): Activists of the Legal Aid Institute Foundation (YLBHI) yesterday took their protest against the recent banning of art performances and seminars straight to the center of power, Golkar, the ruling political organization. The YLBHI lawyers yesterday met with the Golkar faction in the House of Representatives to vent their anger at what they see as increasing restriction of the freedom of expression by the government.

Ignorance of social cost

Ignorance of social cost This week no less than 600 students from two primary schools in South Jakarta have had to move to nearby schools due to sound and air pollution. They moved because they could no longer stand the harsh sound of cement mixers, nor the high level of dust stirred up by the trucks bringing in sand for the construction of apartments. Just imagine how cramped the classrooms at the recipient school are now, with students having to sit elbow to elbow.

Governor asks businesses to care for worker safety

Governor asks businesses to care for worker safety JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has underlined the need for company, factory and hotel owners to pay closer attention to the health and work safety of their employees. "In this era of industrialization, I need to emphasize this matter as safety at work will become more crucial as a result of the ever continuing development of technology," Surjadi stressed.

Prosecutors drop charges against Ria Irawan

Prosecutors drop charges against Ria Irawan JAKARTA (JP): Due to a lack of substantial evidence, the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office has dropped the case against starlet Ria Irawan, 24, who was accused of having hampered police investigations of the death of her ex-boyfriend in January.

Police bust arms producer

Police bust arms producer BANDUNG, West Java: Police have arrested a man on suspicion of making firearms with a lathe he imported from Taiwan. West Java Deputy Police Chief Brig. Gen. Ali Hanafiah said the authorities arrested the 44-year old man last week after they obtained sufficient information that the suspect was making firearms illegally. He said no weapons or ammunition were found in his workshop. The lathe was confiscated, Antara reported. (pan)

Police starts Saturday off

Police starts Saturday off The City Police announced yesterday that it will introduce the five-day work policy starting today as part of the first three- month trial of the extra holiday. During the period all sections under the administrative affairs, including the public relations bureau, will close on the last Saturday of each month, said Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police.

Dealers of fake vehicle spare parts in custody

Dealers of fake vehicle spare parts in custody JAKARTA (JP): City Police have arrested 10 unauthorized automobile spare part distributors believed to have sold fake spare parts which bear the brand names of the original producers. "They were apprehended during our 22-day operation at various places located in an around the city," head of the Economic Crime Investigation Unit, Lt. Col. Aryanto Sutadi, announced here yesterday.

Agrarian law application hits snag

Agrarian law application hits snag Today is the anniversary of the Agrarian Law popularly known as UUPA. Thirty-four years later, law expert Dr. A.P. Parlindungan reminds us that many of today's land-related cases still reflect the poor understanding of the law, especially among government officials. MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): The recent national conference on national law revealed that awareness of the law among our government officials is still very low.

E. Java PDI still in crisis

E. Java PDI still in crisis SURABAYA, East Java: The central executive board of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) has refused to rescind its decision to choose Soetjipto as the new provincial party chapter chairman. "The PDI chief (Megawati Soekarnoputri) will soon meet East Java governor to reassert her stand," Soetjipto was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The buying mood slightly recovered here yesterday in moderate trading, pushing up prices of most consumer-based stocks. The Composite Index, however, continued declining to close yesterday at 512.57, as compared to 513.15 on Thursday as prices of several big shares remained in the downward course. The index lost a total of nine points this week due to continued drops in the past three days.

Water problem in Jakarta

Water problem in Jakarta I am a visitor here in Jakarta and I come from the Philippines. After staying here for a few days and having seen your business and urban districts in Jakarta, Bandung and Manado I have the impression that Indonesia is enjoying some sort of economic boom. I had a similar impression about Korea's economy when I visited Seoul sometime in the late 1970s. All signs point to the emergence of Indonesia as a newly industrialized country or an emerging tiger in Asia.

Land conflicts hindering industrial estate projects

Land conflicts hindering industrial estate projects JAKARTA (JP): The government's ambitious plan to develop economic growth centers through the establishment of industrial estates has been hampered by the old problem of land appropriation.

Mar'ie defends power for tax investigations

Mar'ie defends power for tax investigations JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad yesterday defended the government's proposal to equip the tax directorate general with the power to investigate taxpayers suspected of tax evasion or other possible violations. The minister said that investigational power is essential to enable tax officials to collect reliable data and information related to tax crimes.

ASEAN claims greater unity with trade zone in 2003

ASEAN claims greater unity with trade zone in 2003 CHIANG MAI, Thailand (Reuter): Southeast Asian economic ministers said they took big steps toward greater unity in annual two-day talks ended yesterday by agreeing to make their planned free trade zone a reality faster.

Package tour to hero's cemeteries

Package tour to hero's cemeteries JAKARTA: The Minister of Social Services, Inten Suweno, has proposed Rp 3.4 billion (US$1.6 million) to sponsor student study tours to hero cemeteries. She said the unique package tour was initiated out of concern that fewer and fewer young people are interested in visiting hero cemeteries. Gen. (ret) Soesilo Soedarman, the Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security, previously voiced concern over this apparent lack of interest.

Leadership dispute rocks retail group

Leadership dispute rocks retail group Three top executives of the Indonesian Retailers Association said yesterday that the re-election of J.A. Sinungan as the organization's chairman is illegal. Sinungan, who is a commissioner of PT Inti Fashindo International retail outlets and chairman of the group for over a decade, was re-elected to the post during the organization's congress earlier this month.

Dengue kills six children

Dengue kills six children MAJALENGKA, West Java: Six children have died of the dengue hemorrhagic fever spreading through two subdistricts over the past week. Doctors in the stricken areas have asked the Majalengka regency office to take the necessary measures to contain the epidemic, Antara said yesterday. Residents are worried that the epidemic will worsen. (pan)

68 RI banks listed among Asia's largest

68 RI banks listed among Asia's largest JAKARTA (JP): Sixty-eight of Indonesia's 234 banks have been listed among Asia's 500 largest commercial banks, which last year recorded good performances in assets, deposits, loans, profits and growth.

Security, business may dominate EU-ASEAN talks

Security, business may dominate EU-ASEAN talks BONN (Reuter): Security concerns and business opportunities are set to dominate a two-day meeting of West European and Southeast Asian foreign ministers beginning today.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * The launch of a new series of texts in EFL for Indonesian learners is always an occasion to celebrate; apart from the very important and worthwhile goal of providing study materials for thousands of people who might otherwise not found them, texts, especially when backed by the resources of an international organization, foster cultural understanding and friendship between peoples.

China refuses to commit itself to Asian Games

China refuses to commit itself to Asian Games BEIJING (Reuter): China yesterday declined to rule out a boycott of the Asian Games and warned Japan of grave consequences if it did not reverse its decision to grant entry to a senior official from arch rival Taiwan. The Games are due to start in Hiroshima on Oct. 2, with a record 7,300 athletes and officials from 42 nations attending. China will have the largest delegation.

B is for bribery

B is for bribery From Kompas I am concerned about conditions in our education system, specifically in one particular school in Sunter Podomoro, North Jakarta. It is no longer a secret that teachers there are accepting bribes from parents. I have become used to this situation and even witnessed some cases which give substance to the advice: pay money to the teachers and they will pay attention to your children.

Cloverleaf Double-cross

Cloverleaf Double-cross From Neraca As a regular user of the Semanggi Cloverleaf road, I regret its frequent closure by traffic police. The closure adds time and frustration to my trip from Jl. Gatot Subroto to Jl. Jenderal Sudirman; instead of being able to take a direct route, I have to drive further to the TVRI station to make the turn.

Six or five school day?

Six or five school day? From Suara Karya The government has introduced a five-day work week, allowing weekends off. This regulation naturally also alters the work hours. Several offices have already begun to implement the new regulation on a trial basis. Some schools have followed the example. Of course we all know that schools are institutions designed to implant knowledge into the brains of human beings -- students.

Derogatory comments

Derogatory comments I was listening to Lewis Turner's radio program "Expats' Night" on Kiss FM on the night of Sept. 15 and was hurt by a particular lady's derogatory comments about Indonesia. If she doesn't like the people, the climate, the food or our complicated currency, I suggest she discuss returning to her own country privately with her husband. There are enough expatriate wives happily living in Indonesia and I would rather hear their positive comments.

Over-age allegations are shrugged off

Over-age allegations are shrugged off JAKARTA (JP): The semifinalists at the 29th Asian Youth Under- 19 soccer championship shrugged off over-age allegations as they prepared for today's battles. The Syrian, Japanese, Iraqi and Thai sides gave no trace of anxiety about the sportsmanship row as they underwent their light training sessions. Syria and Japan, winners of Group A and B respectively, practiced at different locations across Jakarta today.

SBSI chief collapses during court hearing

SBSI chief collapses during court hearing JAKARTA (JP): Muchtar Pakpahan, the chairman of the rebel Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI), collapsed during a court hearing in Medan yesterday as he was reading his defense against charges of inciting workers to violence last April. "He may have been so tired that he passed out," said David Pella, an SBSI official, told The Jakarta Post yesterday. The second hearing yesterday was due to hear Muchtar presenting his defense.

Sailor gets six years for rape

Sailor gets six years for rape The North Jakarta District Court yesterday sentenced a sailor to six years imprisonment for raping his own maid in February. "According to the facts presented during the court session, I found Nasir Baco guilty beyond any reasonable doubt and therefore sentenced him to a six year jail term," said presiding judge Soetatmohadibroto. Soetatmohadibroto said that Nasir deserves the imprisonment after having destroyed the life of the plaintiff, Mda, 15.

Try calls for nuclear-free regional zone

Try calls for nuclear-free regional zone JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno in Canberra yesterday called for the creation of a nuclear-free zone in Southeast Asia, hinting that its establishment could begin as early as next year. Addressing a seminar on regional security at the Australian Defense Academy, Try said the Southeast Asian countries were in agreement on rejecting the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Ulemas worry about gambling

Ulemas worry about gambling SEMARANG, Central Java: The local chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has expressed concern over widespread gambling in the province. "It's a worrying development. The government should take action against gamblers before they create social unrest," said Sahal Mahfud, chief of the local branch of the council.

Thanks for the Sunday Post

Thanks for the Sunday Post I would like to thank you for making The Jakarta Post available on Sundays. May The Jakarta Post continue to boost its circulation. Although it's not very important, I would like to make the following comments. On Page 8 (of the Sunday Post) the following statement is printed: "I did it (take the HIV test) once in Germany in 1986 and recently in Jakarta. ...

Increasing prices of land hamper housing development

Increasing prices of land hamper housing development JAKARTA (JP): Problems related to land acquisition are hampering the development of low cost housing for civil servants under a compulsory savings scheme, Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tanjung says. In a hearing with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR) here yesterday, the minister said that only Rp 4.3 billion (US$1.98 million) out of Rp 352.81 billion in funds collected had been used for home development, as of August.

No good Neon

No good Neon From Media Indonesia Some time ago I bought four 10-Watt neon tubes produced by Sanex Electronics Co. Ltd.. They cost Rp 12,000 each at "H" electronics shop in Blok-A, South Jakarta. The words "long life" are clearly written on the green package, but, in reality, the tubes only lasted three weeks. They were on from 6.00 p.m. until 6.00 a.m.. Many consumers have lodged the same complaint about Sanex products in several papers.

Conversion of fertile land prohibited, Ginandjar says

Conversion of fertile land prohibited, Ginandjar says JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita said the government would no longer allow conversion of fertile land into industrial projects fearing they may threaten the country's rice self-sufficiency.

A test-water visit

A test-water visit Vice President Try Sutrisno is now in Australia on an unofficial visit. Because he is the highest level Indonesian leader to visit our neighbor to the south since President Soeharto's visit there in 1975, his trip holds great significance as a sign of improving Australia-Indonesia relations. Since 1975, when Gough Withlam was in Australia's saddle, prime minister after prime minister have visited Indonesia.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

`SWA' holds seminar on brand awareness

`SWA' holds seminar on brand awareness The SWA Sembada economic and business monthly magazine is to hold a seminar on brand awareness tomorrow. The seminar will take place at the Enteos Convention Center, BRI Tower II, Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta. It will start at 8 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. The seminar will discuss the importance of a product's brand name and how it affects customers. The meeting will involve businessmen, advertising companies, experts and representatives of the mass media.

RI's plywood exports to recover: Hasan

RI's plywood exports to recover: Hasan JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's plywood exports will likely recover in the coming months after declining over the last three months, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo) Mohammad (Bob) Hasan says. "There have been some declines over the last three months in the volume and prices of plywood exports, especially those destined to South Korea and China," Hasan told the Jakarta Post here yesterday.

Golkar asks govt to curb cement prices

Golkar asks govt to curb cement prices JAKARTA (JP): The ruling Golkar faction at the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday appealed to the government and all related parties to take immediate actions to curb the soaring cement prices.

W. Jakarta destroys 179,000 bottles

W. Jakarta destroys 179,000 bottles The West Jakarta authorities crushed more than 179,000 bottles of alcoholic beverages with bulldozers at a ceremony attended by mayoralty officials on Wednesday. The beverages, with a more than five percent alcohol content, were seized by the military sponsored Operation Cleansing team during a series of raids in the mayoralty between April and August.

Shorter school week rejected

Shorter school week rejected SEMARANG, Central Java: The local chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) says the five-day school week scheme which is being phased in on an experimental basis in the province is affecting the attendance of afternoon Islamic schools. The longer hours students now spend in schools because of the shorter week is preventing them from attending the afternoon lessons usually used to enhance their knowledge about Islam.

Alcatel wins GSM contract

Alcatel wins GSM contract JAKARTA (JP): Alcatel of France has received confirmation from the state-owned PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia (Satelindo) to proceed with the implementation of phase two of its GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) digital cellular infrastructure deployment plan. The French company announced yesterday that the project will cover 18 major cities and offer a capacity of 130,000 mobile telephone lines.

Most wanted bank swindler shot to death

Most wanted bank swindler shot to death JAKARTA (JP): A police detective shot to death the country's most wanted bank swindler during a raid in the parking lot of his office in Cikini, Central Jakarta, Wednesday evening. Humala Hutabarat, 54, is believed to have embezzled at least Rp 15.39 billion (US$7.04 million) during a series of well- planned credit transfer frauds at seven state banks in North Sumatra and Jakarta since 1981.

MIM finds gas in RI

MIM finds gas in RI BRISBANE, Australia (AFP): Diversified Australian miner, MIM Holdings Ltd, yesterday announced the discovery of "significant" gas flows by its joint venture firm in Indonesia. MIM said the discovery, in central Sumatra, about 930 kilometers (580 miles) north-west of Jakarta, could potentially help supply extensive oil recovery projects in the region.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The price drops continued on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday in moderate trading, with the Composite Index losing another 3.9 points to close at 513.15 against 517.07 on the previous day. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also declined, closing at 124.88 against 126.02. Securities dealers said that persistent drops in prices of several big stocks on the last three days further dampened the buying mood.

Legislator questions policy of presidential decrees

Legislator questions policy of presidential decrees JAKARTA (JP): A legislator yesterday questioned the wisdom behind the government's decision to issue presidential decrees, bypassing the House of Representatives, in preference to legislation which the House must approve. Anak Agung Oka Mahendra, of the ruling Golkar faction, during a parliamentary hearing with Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, said the number of presidential decrees far exceeds that of government regulations.

Bapindo trial exposes weaknesses in procedures

Bapindo trial exposes weaknesses in procedures JAKARTA (JP): A former director of Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) acknowledged yesterday that a number of their decision making processes were frought with flaws, thus exposing it to a major scam last year. Towil Heryoto in a court testimony yesterday said that a meeting of the board of directors produced an agreement to disburse huge loans to businessman Eddy Tansil without bothering to check some of the finer details.

The first ARF meeting: An evolution

The first ARF meeting: An evolution By Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA (JP): The first ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), held in Bangkok in July 1994, was very encouraging. Its success was in fact a stark contrast to the results of the earlier preparatory meeting of senior officials in May 1994 which was considered inadequate and too timid by some member countries because of its preoccupation over the agenda setting for the Ministerial Meeting.

Illiteracy rate is still high

Illiteracy rate is still high The government should pay more attention to condition of women because, according to data disclosed recently by the director general of non-curriculum and sports of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Soedjiarto, 3.31 out of 5.72 million illiterate Indonesians are women. The reason for this high percentage might have its roots in the sexual discrimination still faced by women here.

Police foil log smuggling

Police foil log smuggling BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: The authorities in Bandar Jaya have foiled an attempt to smuggle four trucks of timber to Jakarta. Police have detained the drivers and identified the owner of the timber as YT, a local business woman. Lampung's Garuda Hitam Commander Col. Hariono Danoe was quoted by Antara as saying that among those detained was a member of the Armed Forces (ABRI) who was escorting the smugglers. Danoe said no documents were found with the impounded goods. (pan)

6,000-hectare waterfront city to be built, governor says

6,000-hectare waterfront city to be built, governor says JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has that the city administration will reclaim 6,000 hectares of the Jakarta Bay in order to turn the capital's northern coastal zone into a modern waterfront area. "The land for development is getting harder to obtain whereas the need for a larger port, better housing and recreation centers is increasing," Surjadi said.

ASEAN role in APEC is praised

ASEAN role in APEC is praised JAKARTA (JP): A senior United States official yesterday acknowledged the importance of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), despite the association's initial wariness of the forum. "Since APEC was founded in 1989, there has been a sense that ASEAN is, in many ways, the core of APEC," said Sandra Kristoff, the director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council (NSC).

Japanese get cautious welcome back to Dalian

Japanese get cautious welcome back to Dalian By Mark O'Neill DALIAN, China (Reuter): A magnificent wooden Japanese Shinto temple looks out over the Chinese port city of Dalian, still in nearly perfect condition 81 years after it was built. Just 27 km (17 miles) away, 200 Japanese firms have set up factories in a booming special economic zone partially funded by the Tokyo government -- Japan's only such economic-zone investment in the world.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Sports: Tennis Davis Cup (rerun) 5:00 Regional News 5:30 School Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Karya Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Bintang Nusantara 9:00 World News 9:30 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Witness For The Prosecution Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Thai PM to visit Canada

Thai PM to visit Canada BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai will pay an official visit to Canada Sept. 28-Oct. 5, his office announced yesterday. He will meet Canadian counterpart Jean Chretien and other officials for talks focusing on trade and economic cooperation, an official statement said.

Hotel industry seen as shifting to three-star property

Hotel industry seen as shifting to three-star property By Vincent Lingga Karl Linus Waelti a Swiss national with more than 33 years of experience in hotel management around the world, including Indonesia in the late 1970s, projects the future trend in Indonesia's hotel industry in an interview with The Jakarta Post.

Administration to ease process for vehicle documents

Administration to ease process for vehicle documents JAKARTA (JP): In response to the public's negative reaction, the municipal administration announced that it will simplify the processing of vehicular documents and make concerted efforts to abolish the collection of unauthorized charges.